Square Mile Shoplifter Spat In Policeman's Face

A City of London shoplifter was caught by police with stolen alcohol and meat, which he was selling in the street to passers-by.

Officers spotted Marc James, 35, in the heart of the Square Mile outside a pub in Monument Street, near London Bridge.

Plain-clothed officers on March 26 saw him trying to sell a bottle of Baileys, with the security tag still attached.

He was followed to King William Street, where he walked into a supermarket and grabbed a heavy-duty 'bag for life' carrier bag and tried to leave.

He was challenged by staff and as he left walked straight into the officers, who arrested him on suspicion of theft.

James is now starting a twenty-four week prison sentence after spitting into one of the officer's face and attempting to headbutt another.

Several joints of meat, still bearing shop security tags were found in his trousers when searched.

PC Ethan Bullock, who was spat on, said: “I was in shock after it happened and the suspect then continued to resist arrest. 

“Police officers join the job to serve the public and should be able to do so without the threat of violence.

“When I arrived on the scene, it was clear the suspect’s intentions was to cause harm to the officers.

“There is no excuse for any kind of abuse and we will hold people accountable for their actions.”

James was also caught on CCTV at a supermarket on Eastcheap stealing meat at around 8:50pm.

He pleaded guilty to two counts of assault on an emergency worker and stealing goods, valued at £102.