A MAN has been jailed for four weeks after a number of shoplifting incidents and assaults in Eastleigh.

David Pratt, of Southampton Road, Eastleigh, pleaded guilty to two counts of common assault and two counts of theft from a shop following incidents between Monday, February 1, and Tuesday, February 16, at a Sainsbury’s branch on Leigh Road.

Southampton Crown Court heard how 37-year-old had entered the Sainsbury store at around midday on February 1 and an altercation with an elderly gentleman ensued.

Store staff, including the store manager, then intervened and it was at this time that Pratt assaulted the store manager.

While another employee involved in the incident was fearful for her safety due to Pratts confrontational behaviour within the shop.

In two separate incidents, two days apart, Pratt entered the same store and sought to steal a number of items.

On February 15, Pratt stole two bottles of Jack Daniels whiskey – valued at around £50 – and left the store without paying.

He then returned the next day and stole three bottles of Courvoiser and a bottle of Disaronno – worth approximately £135 – and smashing a bottle of whiskey as a result.

Pratt pleaded guilty to these offences and was handed a sentence of four weeks imprisonment on Friday 26 February.

In addition he was handed an additional 20 weeks sentence, suspended for a year. He was also ordered to pay £50 compensation to each assaulted person.