Man jailed for assaulting an officer and persistent shoplifting

Police have today updated the public following a court case, which was concluded yesterday, 28 February.

The case involved Steven Wood from Wavell Road, SO18. On 25 February, 44 year old Wood was seen in Tesco Express, Witts Hill, SO18. He was seen to be helping himself to fresh produce without any noticeable intent on paying for the goods.

As it happened, 2 PSCOs were in the area and watching him at the time, and confronted Wood. At that time, he became aggressive and violent, and regrettably, one of the officers was assaulted.

Appearing in court, Wood pleaded guilty to shoplifting and assaulting a police officer. In turn, he was presented with a 2 month jail sentence.

However, things didn’t end there, as it appears Wood is no stranger to shoplifting having been caught previously. As a consequence, and because his latest antics were in breach of a previously given suspended sentence, his prison term was increased by 24 weeks. This means his overall sentence is 8 months inside.

Commenting via their social media platform, a spokesperson from Hampshire Constabulary’s Western Investigation Department, said:

“Steven Wood has presented a persistent threat to the community for a prolonged period of time. The community is now safer while he remains in prison.

Hampshire Constabulary continually seeks to bring people responsible for committing crimes to justice. A PCSO was simply doing his job and looking to protect that community. Fortunately he suffered no lasting injury.

We are glad that the courts have seen fit to protect the community and the police, the protectors of the community, in this way.”

Once again, we’re pleased that our local police are sharing more outcomes from the great work they do.