Shoplifter spat at security officer after stealing can of evaporated milk from Wisbech supermarket

SHOPLIFTER Steven Donnelly spat at a security officer when he was forcibly restrained after stealing a can of milk, a court was told.

“He was being held down and the only way he could remonstrate was to hiss at him through his teeth,” solicitor John Clarke told Fenland magistrates. “The spitting was on a reckless basis.”

Donnelly, 45, of Scrimshires Passage, Wisbech, admitted assaulting a security officer and stealing a 72p can of evaporated milk from the Co-op supermarket in Wisbech on December 20.

Staff saw Donnelly put the can into his pocket and walk out without paying, said John Goodier, prosecuting.

He was followed out of the store by the manager, who was joined by the security officer. When he refused to stop, police were called through the Shopwatch system.

“A PCSO attempted to stop and restrain Donnelly,” said Mr Goodier. “He struggled and refused to return to the store. He was forcibly restrained; he spat at the security officer, the spittle landed on his neck.”

Mr Clarke said Donnelly had taken the can of milk out of the store when he took a phone call. He had returned to pay, but the queue was too long.

Donnelly was fined �65 with �85 costs and a �15 surcharge.