A man has been jailed for six months after spitting in the face of a police officer while being arrested for shoplifting near London Bridge.
Marc James, 35, was apprehended after officers saw him outside a pub on Monument Street attempting to sell a bottle of Baileys with the security tag still attached.
Police tracked James to a nearby shop on King William Street, where he was arrested. During the arrest, he produced joints of meat with attached security tags from inside his trousers, revealing further theft.
Attempted Headbutt and Assault on Officer
As the arrest progressed, James became hostile. He attempted to headbutt an officer, though he failed to make contact. When Police Constable Ethan Bullock arrived to assist, James spat directly into his face.
“I was in shock after it happened and the suspect then continued to resist arrest,” said PC Bullock. “Police officers join the job to serve the public and should be able to do so without the threat of violence.”
“When I arrived on the scene, it was clear the suspect’s intentions were to cause harm. There is no excuse for any kind of abuse and we will hold people accountable for their actions.”
Court Outcome
James pleaded guilty to:
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Two counts of assault on an emergency worker
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Theft totalling £102
He was sentenced to six months in prison.
Police Condemn Abuse of Emergency Workers
The Metropolitan Police reiterated that violence and abuse toward officers will not be tolerated, and offenders will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
Members of the public with concerns or information about assaults on emergency workers can contact police on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
