A South Yorkshire thug has been jailed after he assaulted his ex-partner in a shop

Sheffield Crown Court heard on June 23 how Adrian Nickson, aged 36, of New Street, Doncaster, grabbed his ex-partner in a Poundland store and stole £20 from her.

Beverley Wright, prosecuting, said the complainant said she ended their relationship after Nickson had been jealous, constantly checking her phone and causing arguments.

Ms Wright added the complainant had been in Poundland on February 16 and felt a blow to her head and saw Nickson who asked why she had not texted him back and he claimed he was owed money.

There was a struggle, Ms Wright said, and the complainant fell and Nickson took £20 from her and ran off.

Nickson, who has previous convictions, pleaded guilty to committing a common assault and a theft.

Cheryl Dudley, defending, said Nickson had not dealt well with the breakdown of the relationship and he went to the shop because he knew her movements.

Ms Dudley added Nickson had put his recent good character and his improved circumstances, including his accommodation, in jeopardy.

She said: “This is a man who has proved in the last four or five months that he can change his ways.”

Judge David Dixon told Nickson: “You used violence and grabbed her around her arms - and there were marks as a result of it - and stole a limited amount of money from her.”

Nickson was sentenced to 11 months of custody and he was given a five-year restraining order.