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Newbury man in court........over a bottle of cider





The thief was also subjected to police “distraction strikes” - blows intended to stop a person resisting arrest - the court was told.
In the dock on Thursday, January 23, was Colin Null of Newport Road, Newbury.
Claire French, prosecuting, said shoppers reported the 25-year-old to staff at a One Stop store in Newbury after wathcing him stuff the bottle down his trousers and leave without paying.
Mr Null was later identified by police officers from CCTV footage, the court was told.
Miss French said: “Police went to his address but he refused to come out. He then climbed out of a window and ran through neighbours’ gardens with officers in pursuit.
“He was caught, taken to the floor and arrested. He told officers he couldn’t remember anything about the theft.”
Mr Null, who has numerous previous convictions, admitted stealing the cider, worth £2.99, on January 3 this year.
Steve Molloy, defending, said: “His moderate learnings difficulties are the basis of his offending. He finds himself before the court again and again. He is not working.”
Mr Molloy said his client had been subjected to “distraction strikes” by officers seeking to arrest him.
The controversial practice was referred to by Independent Police Complaints Commision (IPCC) spokeswoman Naseem Malik in a 2011 ruling when she said: "Police officers are trained in defensive techniques to assist them when dealing with a violent individual. These techniques include the use of distraction strikes which are intended to stop a person resisting to allow for a safe arrest..
Magistrates bailed Mr Null until a later date when he was due to be sentenced for other offences.



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