Sunderland vodka thief attacked police officer who tried to stop him - then got caught after bragging about it on Facebook

Ryan Pounder, who had taken five bottles of vodka from Asda, tried to push the community support officer to the ground and twisted her hand before fleeing.

Newcastle Crown Court heard he then gloated in a Facebook post "Home sweet home, I'm just too quick on my feet".

The officer said she was left shaken by what happened to her, while just trying to do her job.

Pounder, 29, of Ormonde Street, Sunderland, who has a long criminal record, admitted theft and assault on an emergency worker.

Prosecutor James Howard told the court Pounder picked up the bottles of spirit, worth £80, from Asda at Ryhope Street in Sunderland, and simply walked out without paying last July.

The officer, who had been driving past the area, noticed the bottles he was carrying still had the security tags attached and the court heard Pounder was initially compliant.

But as they headed back to the shop to return the stolen drink, Pounder started to struggle after being asked his name.

Mr Howard described the incident to the court.

He said: "He tried to kick the officer, tried to push her to the ground.

“As he was doing that he twisted her left hand and ran away.

"Shortly after, he posted a Facebook status gloating about the incident."It said 'Home sweet home, I'm just too quick on my feet'."

Judge Julie Clemitson said the victim was caused pain but there was no suggestion she was injured.

The judge told Pounder: "You were later identified because you were bragging on Facebook."

Pounder was sentenced to six months imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, with a two-month night time curfew and rehabilitation requirements.

The judge said the sentence could be suspended due to the 15 months that have passed since the offence and the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on those serving prison sentences.

Mark Styles, defending, said Pounder had become a "habitual shoplifter" who needs intervention.

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