A brazen thief caught red-handed stuffing steak and joints of meat down his trousers before spitting in a police officer’s face has been locked up in Central London.
Thief Busted Selling Stolen Baileys Outside Pub
Marc James, 35, was first spotted by plain-clothed officers trying to sell a bottle of Baileys with a security tag still attached outside a pub on Monument Street on March 26. Officers grew suspicious and followed him to a nearby supermarket on King William Street, where James boldly swiped beef and pork joints, stuffing them down his trousers before attempting to walk out.
Arrest Turns Ugly: Spits in Officer’s Face
James was quickly arrested on suspicion of theft. But he didn’t go quietly. As cops tried to caution him, James lunged to headbutt one officer and then spat directly into the face of PC Ethan Bullock, who had rushed to help.
CCTV Reveals Earlier Theft Spree
Footage later showed James had also stolen meat and a bag of Wotsits from another supermarket on Eastcheap, racking up a total haul worth £102.
With no fixed address, James pleaded guilty to two counts of assault on an emergency worker and theft. He’s now been sentenced to 24 weeks in prison and will stay behind bars until October.
PC Bullock Speaks Out
“I was in shock after it happened and the suspect then continued to resist arrest. Police officers join the job to serve the public and should be able to do so without the threat of violence.”
“There is no excuse for any kind of abuse and we will hold people accountable for their actions.”
