Penrith shoplifter who had knife kicked police officer in the face

Carlisle's Rickergate Magistrates' Court was shown police body-cam footage that showed how the routine arrest in Penrith of Simon Edward Riddick, 46, rapidly escalated into violence.

Though he was at first cooperative with the officers, after being arrested Riddick first verbally abused them and then he repeatedly kicked out as he lay on the floor of a police van.

The defendant, of Foster Street, Penrith, admitted police assault, shop theft, and carrying a knife in a public place without a lawful excuse.

Pam Ward, prosecuting, said police were contacted after the defendant was seen leaving Penrith's B&M Bargains store in Bridge Lane on February 6 with a collection of electrical items that he had not paid for.

The items - which included a torch and 'TV streaming sticks' - were worth just over £81.

Police caught up with the defendant at a nearby take-away outlet, said Mrs Ward.

The body-cam footage shown in court revealed how police located two bags in the take-away which staff said the defendant had brought into the shop.

Initially, when questioned by the officers, Riddick cooperated, warning one of them to be careful because there may be "sharps" - meaning hypodermic needles - in the rucksack he had.

But when he was arrested on suspicion of theft, he became verbally aggressive.

He called one officer a "maggot", saying: "I'll go toe to toe with you any day."

Forced into the police van cage by the officers, he was sprawled on to the floor, repeatedly kicking out.

"He was kicking at the officer and on the third attempt, his foot made contact with the officer's nose," said Mrs Ward.

In a victim personal statement, the officer, who was left with a bleeding nose, said: "Being physically assaulted while at work is never acceptable.

"I expect aggravation in this job but I don't expect to be assaulted in that way."

What happened had made him more cautious, he added.

Gail Heard, for Riddick, said he had carried a small folding penknife because he used it when he went fishing.

Riddick had mistakenly believed his knife was small enough to be 'legal'.

Of the assault, Miss Heard said: "He wishes to apologise to both the officer and the court for his behaviour."

At the time, she said, Riddick was the worse for wear, felt "pushed around", and regarded his treatment while being forced him into the police van as "heavy-handed".

A former heroin addict, he had abstained from the drug now for three years and was using legal methadone.

"He's also concerned about his 14-year-old dog, which goes with him absolutely everywhere," said the lawyer.

She added: "Perhaps, had he not been drinking, these offences would never have happened."

Magistrates said that they felt custody was inevitable for such serious offences. They jailed Riddick for 28 weeks and told him to pay the police officer £150 compensation.