Vile Spitter Jailed After Escalator Incident at Intu Derby
A brazen yob has been locked up for 16 weeks after spitting on an escalator in Derby’s Intu shopping centre and hurling abuse at staff in a sports shop.
Gareth Haywood’s Shocking Outburst
Gareth Haywood, 35, of no fixed abode, faced the music at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates Court on Monday, 17 August. He was convicted of criminal damage and a public order offence for using threatening and abusive behaviour.
Refund Row Turns Ugly
The ugly scene unfolded on 16 June when Haywood and his mate, Sarah Osbourne, 35, also homeless, tried to return a tracksuit to JD Sports in Intu Derby – without a receipt. When the refund was refused, tempers flared.
- Haywood and Osbourne became abusive and threatening towards staff.
- Haywood spat multiple times onto the escalator and nearby areas, causing damage.
Judge’s Verdict and Suspended Sentence
While Haywood was slammed with 16 weeks behind bars, Osbourne received a suspended sentence for the same public order offence. Derby police and shop staff hope the tough sentence sends a message: abuse and vandalism won’t be tolerated.