A prolific shoplifter who spat in an officer's face while in custody, and pushed a shop assistant into a table as he tried to steal alcohol, has been jailed for 45 weeks.

Paul Mott, of Grange Close, Warwick went into a shop on the Parade in Leamington multiple times over a three-month period between July and September - taking a variety of bottles of alcohol each time.

On one occasion, as he tried to leave without paying, a store worker challenged him and he pushed him towards a table.

The 28-year-old was arrested and brought into police custody, but when they were carrying out routine observations, he spat through the hole in the door at an officer.

He was subsequently charged with:

• Fourteen counts of thefts from a store
• One count of attempted theft from a store
• One count of assault by beating
• One count of assault by beating an emergency worker

Appearing at Warwick Crown Court on Wednesday (22 November) Mott pleaded guilty to all 17 offences and was jailed for 45 weeks. He was also ordered to pay compensation.

Leamington and Warwick Safer Neighbourhood Team Sergeant Trent McMurray said: "Mott has repeatedly targeted this shop in Leamington over a three-month period and has caused them to suffer financial loss.

"He is a prolific and persistent offender who has shown desperation in assaulting those who challenge him.

"Whether it's a member of the public or one of our officers, it's never acceptable to assault someone else and I am delighted he's now in jail.

"I hope that this stretch behind bars will give him an opportunity to reconsider his actions and result a positive change in behaviour."