A shameless thief who stuffed steak and joints of meat down his trousers before spitting in a police officer’s face has been jailed after being caught red-handed in Central London.

Marc James, 35, was busted by plain-clothed officers flogging a bottle of Baileys with a security tag still attached outside a pub on Monument Street on March 26. Suspicions raised, officers tailed James to a nearby supermarket on King William Street, where he brazenly swiped beef and pork joints before attempting to stroll out.

James was promptly intercepted and arrested on suspicion of theft. But as officers tried to caution him, the situation turned ugly — he tried (and failed) to headbutt one cop, then spat directly into the face of PC Ethan Bullock, who had rushed to assist.

Shock Arrest Caught on CCTV

CCTV footage later revealed James had also stolen meat and a bag of Wotsits from another supermarket on Eastcheap. In total, he pinched £102 worth of goods.

James, who has no fixed address, pleaded guilty to two counts of assault on an emergency worker and theft. He was sentenced to 24 weeks behind bars, meaning he will remain in prison until October.

Officer’s Reaction

Speaking after the case, 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.

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