Gloucestershire drug dealer jailed after attack on have-a-go hero

DRUG dealer Jason Wilkinson has been locked up after he stole alcohol from a shop then attacked a have-a-go hero who tried to stop him.

Wilkinson, 24, of Parkers Lane, Moreton-in-Marsh, was sentenced to a total of 53 weeks' imprisonment.

He admitted that committing the offences, as well as failing to attend supervision appointments, he had breached a nine months suspended sentence imposed on him in March for growing cannabis and having cocaine with intent to supply.

It was the second time he had been before the court for breaching the terms of his sentence.

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Wilkinson admitted theft of sherry and beer from Tesco's in Moreton-in-Marsh on October 2, assault with intent to resist arrest and possessing cannabis.

Prosecutor Edward Hetherington told the court that at 3.20pm on October 2, staff at Tesco saw Wilkinson walk out with a basket full of 16 cans of Stella and another containing three bottles of sherry.

A member of staff Callum Warmington followed him but backed off when Wilkinson shouted "Come any closer and I'll stab you."

Market trader Kevin Cooke saw what was happening and bravely took a short cut to get in front of Wilkinson and confront him, said Mr Hetherington.

Wilkinson told Mr Cooke: "What's it got to do with you? Leave me alone."

As Mr Cooke tried to grab the stolen goods Wilkinson swung a basket at him, cutting his head and causing a wound which needed eight stitches.

It was then alleged that Wilkinson pulled a knife out of his pocket and made a threat to stab Mr Cooke, said the prosecutor – although that was not accepted by Wilkinson.

Police who were called to the scene viewed CCTV of the incident and recognised Wilkinson who was then arrested at his home. He then handed police a small jar of herbal cannabis.

Joe Maloney, defending, said: "He expresses his remorse and regret as far as the gentleman who was injured is concerned.

"He accepts the reality of his situation – he has never been to prison before and it is not a prospect he relishes."

Judge Jamie Tabor QC implemented the original 39-week sentence for the drugs offences and added 14 weeks consecutively for the assault.

He passed a seven-week concurrent sentence for the theft and no separate penalty for possessing cannabis.

The judge asked for Mr Cooke to be contacted and given "a pat on the back" for his brave actions.