A SHOP-LIFTER who assaulted an off-duty police officer at a Kingswinford shop has been sentenced to 23 weeks behind bars.
The 32-year-old, from Bushbury, was detained by PC Ross Morgan and two members of the public after a struggle at Tesco Express in Moss Grove yesterday afternoon (4 July).
The eagle-eyed officer, who was picking up some lunch at the store, had spotted the thief stashing cans of deodorant into his coat in the reflection of one of the chiller cabinets.
He approached the offender and declared he was a police officer before a struggle ensued, during which a glass jar of pasta sauce was thrown at the officer.
As he continued to resist arrest PC Ross was bitten on both arms and two members of the public then intervened and helped to bring him under control until officers arrived.
When he was brought into custody and searched a small amount of suspected drugs were found hidden in his bottom.
This morning he appeared at Dudley Magistrates Court and pleaded guilty to four counts of theft, assaulting a police officer, criminal damage and possession of a Class B drug.
PC Morgan, who suffered only minor scratches and grazes, said: “I’d spotted him going into the shop and while I was in there picking out something for lunch I could see him chancing his luck and taking products off the shelves and hiding them in his coat.
“As soon as I approached he became violent and there was a real struggle between the two of us – during which he ripped my favourite tee-shirt off my back!
“I really want to thank the members of public who came to help me get him under control, it wouldn’t have been possible to detain him without them.
“It’s fair to say I ended up getting more than I bargained for, seeing as I only popped into the shop to pick up a sandwich!”
Chief Inspector Mark Bramwell, from Dudley Police, praised the officer for going above and beyond the call of duty.
He said: “This case just proves that police officers are never truly off-duty and PC Morgan’s actions to tackle the man while he was out of uniform were very brave and his quick thinking should be commended.
“Of course we would never encourage off-duty officers or members of the public to put themselves in a position where their own safety is at threat but often people act in the moment to help.
“Anyone who witnesses a crime in action should call 999 immediately and if you have any information about suspicious activity in your neighbourhood call us on 101.”