A DRUNK thief battling ‘demons’ including drink and drugs has been jailed after he spat at one officer and bit another during a foul-mouthed tirade.

Video footage was played of Justin Wynn being arrested in Worcester where he swore, threatened, then spat at one officer before biting another on the finger, causing a bruise.

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Worcester News:

ATTACKS: Justin Wynn

The 42-year-old of Lowesmoor, Worcester, admitted two assaults on emergency workers, both police officers, and theft of a bottle of vodka from B&M Bargains in the city when he appeared at Worcester Crown Court on Friday.

The attacks happened on June 24 last year, the theft two days later on June 26. Wynn initially denied the attacks when he appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court on August 9 last year and the matter was set down for trial before he finally admitted what he had done.

Simon Hunka, prosecuting, said Wynn was swaying from side to side when police arrived and showed ‘all the hallmarks of being intoxicated’.

Wynn had a cut to his right arm which was bleeding when he was arrested, cautioned and taken towards the police van.

In the video he can he heard saying ‘push me again’ and ‘I will spit in your face’ as officers escort him towards the van. Wynn also describes the officers in offensive terms and shouts ‘get your hands off me!’

“The defendant motioned to spit. He spat. Fortunately though, it did not land on anything other than the clothing of the police constable. The bite that happened was on the finger” said Mr Hunka.

This caused ‘some bruising’ despite the officer wearing gloves. “It may well be that provided him with a degree of protection” said Mr Hunka.

Interviewed at Worcester Police Station, Wynn ‘denied spitting despite having been shown the footage’.

Mr Hunka said: “He denied the assault on the officer, saying it was an accidental bite when the officer was grabbing him by the face.”

Wynn’s bite, the prosecutor argued, was the equivalent of the use of a weapon.

The theft involved a bottle of vodka worth £8.49 which emerged from the bottom of his trouser leg as he was challenged by security. “He said at the time ‘I was going to pay for that’,” said Mr Hunka.

Wynn has 49 convictions for 122 offences including various shoplifting offences and, in 2003, a four year sentence for robbery. We have previously reported on thefts of alcohol from Nisa Local in Barbourne Road, Worcester, attempted criminal damage to a window in Barbourne Road, attempted theft of alcohol from Asda in Worcester, theft of alcohol from Sainsbury, from B&M Bargains and from a city Texaco garage which led to the suspended sentence last year.

At the time of the attacks on the officers he was also in breach of this 38 week prison sentence suspended for two years imposed on April 30 last year.

William Dudley, defending, said he recognised that Wynn was in ‘an incredibly perilous position’ but asked the judge to consider deferring the sentence. “If he was sent to prison he would come out effectively with zero” he said, speaking of the progress Wynn had made in securing stable accommodation and reducing his methadone prescription.

“He has perhaps done just enough to show a glimmer of hope” said Mr Dudley. “Stable accommodation is key to him getting on top of his addictions and, ultimately, his demons.

“I would invite your Honour not to pull the rug out from under him.”

Recorder Martin Butterworth sentenced Wynn to 38 weeks in prison. He can expect to serve half in custody and half in the community on licence.