An Exeter man who trashed a supermarket, stole booze and threatened customers has avoided jail.
A man who caused chaos at a Tesco store has been given a suspended prison sentence, writes Isabelle Pinnock, OPCC court reporting scheme.
Exeter Magistrates’ Court heard that Timothy Musselwhite, 37, of Rifford Road, Exeter, pleaded guilty to criminal damage, theft and disorderly behaviour following an incident at Tesco in Heavitree on June 14 last year.
He also admitted failing to comply with the notification requirements of a sexual harm prevention order.
The court heard that Musselwhite entered the store and began throwing multiple crates of alcohol around, smashing many of them.
He left and then returned, stealing further crates without paying, climbing over the tills and breaking the security barrier to gain access.
He also threw crates of alcohol at members of the public and offered people fights, forcing staff to evacuate and close the store. Compensation of £1200 was sought.
Additionally, between 9 May and 23 June last year, Musselwhite failed to notify police of a change of address, breaching a sexual harm prevention order against him.
Michaela Rose, mitigating, said the defendant had struggled with alcohol addiction for much of his life and was homeless at the time of the breach.
Miss Rose added that he had made efforts to turn his life around, including starting a bricklaying course, but relapsed shortly before his final exams.
He has since reconnected with a former employer who is willing to offer him work when he is in a better position.
District Judge Smith said the disorderly behaviour was the lead offence, describing it as a “sustained incident” in which Musselwhite left the store and then returned, causing extensive damage and threatening aggression “to anyone and everyone”.
Musselwhite was sentenced to a total of 20 weeks in prison, suspended for one year. He was also ordered to complete 10 rehabilitation activity days, abstain from alcohol for 100 days under monitoring, and carry out 80 hours of unpaid work.
