Shoplifter who assaulted police during Bristol arrest jailed

Lawrence was sentenced for multiple offences including theft, assault and attempted robbery

A man who kicked and spat at police officers while he was being arrested for shoplifting has been jailed.

Jay Lawrence, 44, of no fixed address, also threatened officers, telling Insp Stuart King he would "punch his kids straight in the face" if he ever saw them in public.

He admitted three counts of assaulting an emergency worker and a number of other offences at Bristol Crown Court.

Lawrence was given a total sentence of six years and one month on Monday.

He admitted one racially aggravated public order offence, a public order offence, assault by beating and theft from a shop, which all related to an incident on 13 September when police attended a report of shoplifting in Church Road, Redfield.

Lawrence was also sentenced for four other separate incidents, including attempted robbery, theft from a shop, a public order offence and a racially aggravated offence.

Abuse and threats to officers

His behaviour and threats were recorded on police body worn cameras when officers were called to a report of shoplifting on 13 September in which a shop employee was assaulted.

After the sentencing, Insp Stuart King said he was pleased Lawrence had been convicted and hoped "he'll now reflect on and address his behaviour".

He added: "Unfortunately, this defendant's behaviour does reflect the abuse and threats officers face on a daily basis from a small minority.

"It's totally unacceptable and I shouldn't have to face this abuse when doing my job to keep our community safe."

Iain Prideaux, vice chairman of the Avon and Somerset Police Federation, said: "Officers do not go to work to be assaulted physically or verbally by members of the public.

"The public are clearly reminded here that officers face the immediate risk of assault and the ongoing worry of harm when they are off duty."