Meat and alcohol thief who spat at police officer jailed

A thief who spat at a police officer during an arrest has been sentenced to 24 weeks in prison.

Marc James, 35, of no fixed abode, also attempted to headbutt another officer.

On Wednesday 26 March 2025, plain-clothed officers spotted James outside a pub on Monument Street. He was trying to sell a bottle of Baileys with the security tag still attached.

Officers followed James as he walked towards London Bridge, where he went into a supermarket on King William Street, grabbing a bag for life in the shop. He was challenged by staff as he tried to leave.

James walked straight into the officers, where he was arrested on suspicion of theft.

When officers arrested and cautioned James, the 35-year-old took out several joints of meat with security tags from inside his trousers.

James then became aggressive towards the officers and attempted to headbutt one of them, but failed to make contact.

When police constable Ethan Bullock arrived to assist, James spat at his face.

PC Bullock said:

“I was in shock after it happened and the suspect then continued to resist arrest. Police officers join the job to serve the public and should be able to do so without the threat of violence.

“When I arrived on the scene, it was clear the suspect’s intentions was to cause harm to the officers.

“There is no excuse for any kind of abuse and we will hold people accountable for their actions.”

Marc James was caught on CCTV at a supermarket on Eastcheap stealing meat at around 8:50pm.

James pleaded guilty to two counts of assault on an emergency worker and theft with a total value of £102.