Exclusive:Violent Southsea thief who brandished bottle of prosecco at female Tesco staff member is jailed
Customers who protected the staff member should be ‘commended’, a judge said
A violent thief who brandished a bottle of prosecco at a female Tesco staff member has been jailed.
Damien Mitchell, 35, of Orchard Road, Southsea, caused terror in Tesco Express on Palmerston Road on July 24 when he was caught stealing items.
When confronted Mitchell turned violent and started threatening staff, Portsmouth Crown Court heard.
Judge Daniel Sawyer said: “You were seen stealing and were asked to leave. You tried to antagonise staff when you picked up a bottle of prosecco and held it up like a weapon and threatened the woman.
“A group of young men stepped in to help her. They should be commended for stopping you and protecting her from you. They took the bottle off you and you left.”
The defendant, who has 69 convictions to his name, was arrested and gave no comment in interview before adding he could not remember the incident.
The court heard how Mitchell was also busted stealing £75 worth of items - including vodka and sandwiches - at Tesco Express in London Road, Waterlooville, on June 3.
The offences came within the period of two suspended sentences which included a robbery and assault, and a racially aggravated assault in which he was stopped for stealing from a shop before lashing out at a member of staff. Three police officers who attended the incident were then assaulted when trying to arrest him.
Mitchell, who pleaded guilty to theft from a shop, threatening behaviour and assault, was jailed for 21 months.