Thug who assaulted Asda worker and vandalised store jailed for four years

A man who assaulted a shop worker and vandalised the store in Northumberland has been jailed for four years over the rampage.

David McBeth, 30, was arrested in June last year after smashing bottles all over the floor of an Asda supermarket in Ryhope while vowing to “take what he wanted”.

The store was forced to close for the day, costing them an estimated £14,000 of custom, after McBeth assaulted a staff member and stole a shopping trolley full of alcohol.

Northumbria Police said McBeth carried out two further assaults during an 11-day crime spree, with one of his victims suffering a bleed to the brain and a fractured eye socket.

McBeth, from Sunderland, was jailed for four years on Friday last week after admitting robbery and two counts of grievous bodily at Newcastle Crown Court.

PC Jessica Reynolds, of Northumbria Police, said: “In just over a week, David McBeth carried out three very serious offences during a spiralling crime spree.

“He went into a busy supermarket in broad daylight and terrified staff and customers during his fit of rage, smashing bottles of alcohol over the floor and attacking a member of staff.

“He was also involved in two other violent altercations within a matter of days, causing significant injury and distress to those who came into his path.

“This kind of behaviour is totally unacceptable and McBeth should be ashamed of his actions. He quite clearly cannot be trusted to live in a lawful society and now must deal with the consequences.

“We will continue to put violent offenders before the courts and deal with anybody who wreaks misery on our communities swiftly and robustly.”