Gosport man threatened to headbutt woman after stealing from shop

Aaron Smethurst was jailed for 16 weeks at Portsmouth Magistrates' Court for a string of incidents in December and February.

He pleaded guilty to eight charges, including one of assault by beating and another of common assault.

These relate to an incident at Spar in Rowner Road on February 13 which saw him push a woman out of the way as he stole items.

He also threatened to headbutt another woman during the same incident. 

Smethurst, 38, of Old Road, Gosport was also charged with: 

• Theft of £63.60 worth of coffee and washing products from Spar in Rowner Road on December 7.
• Theft of £102.29 worth of washing products from Spar in Rowner Road on December 9.
• Theft of £39.83 worth of meat from Spar in Rowner Road on December 11.
• Theft of £70.93 of washing products and coffee from Spar in Rowner Road on December 14.
• Theft of £295.50 worth of meat and peanut butter from Spar in Rowner Road on December 18.
• Theft of £12 worth of tea bags from Spar in Rowner Road on February 13.

Now Hampshire Constabulary has vowed to "put victims first" by responding to and investigating thefts from shops. 

A spokesperson said: "we will be relentlessly pursuing those that are abusive or violent to staff or who are repeat offenders."

Chief Inspector Chris Spellerberg, District Commander for Fareham and Gosport, added: “Shoplifting is not a victimless offence.

"We recognise that repeat shoplifting in particular creates an environment of fear for many retail workers.

"As a result they may feel unsafe and unprotected in their own workplaces.

"In addition, store owners losing products to thieves means that they not only lose the profit margin, but the entire value of the product.

"This in turn will impact prices for consumers.

“The Neighbourhood Policing Teams in Gosport are continuing to focus on retail crime across the borough so that we can address the concerns of the local community and retailers that serve them”.