Drug-addict jailed after attacking store security guard in Sheffield

Sheffield Magistrates’ Court heard on January 7 how Paul Berridge, 35, of Campo Lane, Sheffield, was spotted by the security guard at Marks and Spencer, in Sheffield, who suspected he had been stealing a bottle of gin.

Mark Hughes, prosecuting, said the complainant approached the defendant on November 24 and as they moved towards the door Berridge headbutted the security guard in the face and cut his lower lip and he pushed him.

Mr Hughes added that Berridge was also caught in a separate incident on CCTV on December 16 stealing two bottles of gin valued at £80 from the same Marks and Spencer store.

The defendant also stole jars of coffee valued at £22.50 from a Co-op store, on Angel Street, Sheffield, on January 6, according to Mr Hughes, and he was pursued and seen throwing a bag into a river before he was detained.

Berridge, who has previous convictions, pleaded guilty to assault by beating from November and to two counts of theft from December and January.

Paul Metcalfe, defending, said Berridge is addicted to crack cocaine and heroin and has been living without benefits and has been dependent on the Archer Project charity.

Mr Metcalfe added Berridge insisted he had not stolen anything when he was grabbed by the security guard and he had committed the subsequent two thefts out of desperation.

Magistrates sentenced Berridge to 24 weeks of custody and he must pay £100 compensation to the security guard.