A prolific shoplifter who spat at and bit a security guard after he was challenged for hiding steak has been jailed.
Paul Earl, of Cadge Road, Norwich, appeared before Norwich Magistrates’ Court on Friday where he admitted 12 counts of shop theft, one count of attempted theft and one count of assault.
The offences were committed at a number of shops in Norwich between February and June this year.
The 40-year-old also asked for four further shop theft offences to be taken into consideration at sentencing after intervention by Op Converter - the unit that investigates when further offences are suspected.
Earl was well-known to staff at the stores he targeted and was identified through witness accounts and CCTV footage.
He was sentenced him to 34 weeks in prison and ordered to pay £150 to the assault victim in compensation.
Duncan Etchells, police staff supervisor for Op Converter, said: “This sentence offers some respite to the businesses and staff affected by Earl's offending and it is hoped that during his time in custody he will reflect on the impact his actions have had on others and take the opportunity to make positive changes in the future.”
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