A JUDGE has warned an Isle of Wight man who tried to steal goods from Boots by stuffing them down his trousers, before turning on police and security, he will be jailed if he reoffends.

Benjamin Gothard-Smith, of Mitchell Avenue, Ventnor, admitted shoplifting, obstructing a police officer in the execution of his duty, causing criminal damage to a police van and using threatening or abusive words and behaviour to cause harassment, alarm or distress, in Newport on July 18.

The admissions were made at a previous hearing at the Isle of Wight Magistrate's Court on August 2 — flouting a suspended sentence order (SSO) — 15 months' imprisonment, suspended for two years.

Gothard-Smith, 42, appeared for sentencing at the isle of Wight Crown Court on Friday, September 6.

Police were called to Boots at 12.43pm on the day in question — notified by security staff of a suspected shoplifting in progress.

The in-store CCTV showed Gothard-Smith had untagged items and put them down his trousers, said Rachel Standish, prosecuting, 

On the police's arrival, Gothard-Smith physically resisted an officer, who needed the help of a colleague to force the suspect down to the shop floor.

While he was being restrained, Gothard-Smith shouted vile threats at police officers and security in the store.

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Police seized a number of de-tagged items, valued at £109.85.

Following his arrest, Gothard-Smith caused damage to the police van he was transported to Newport Police Station in.

The judge, Tim Mousley, was also told it was his second breach of the SSO.

Gothard-Smith had 26 previous convictions for 65 offences. 

His aggression towards police and in-store security was an aggravating feature of Gothard-Smith's offending behaviour, said Miss Standish.

For Gothard-Smith, Oscar Vincent said since his client transferred from multiple occupancy accommodation in Newport, to Ventnor, he has shown "effective engagement" with the police and Probation Service.

The judge handed Gothard-Smith a further three-month suspended sentence, while allowing the other SSO to remain effective.