South Shields man who attacked Tesco store manager detained by off duty police officer

Jason Scanlon, 32, lost his cool after being left feeling humiliated at being asked to leave the Tesco Express in Prince Edward Road, at the Nook, South Shields.

Scanlon, of Beach Road, South Shields, told the duty manager: “I’ll knock you out, I’ll slap you”, before hitting him in the face, South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court was told.

But an off-duty detective chief superintendent intervened and grabbed the attacker until back-up arrived on Tuesday, May 5.

Scanlon, who admitted the assault and other charges, is now awaiting sentence after a district judge adjourned proceedings for the preparation of a Probation Service report into his behaviour.

He has also been given an interim ban by the court from entering the shop.

Prosecutor Paul Anderson told the court: “There’s obviously been a problem at the Tesco Express store because when he’s gone in, the duty manager escorts him to the door.

“He doesn’t like that and kicks off. He says, ‘I’ll knock you out, I’ll slap you’. He then strikes him to the left side of his face.

“An off-duty officer is there and restrains him. Threats are made by him but he is restrained until police arrive. He made a threat to kill.”

Kevin Smallcombe, defending, said: “The issue is that he was in the shop at the time and the statement from the store says that there have been problems with him before.

“He says that’s not right, he hasn’t been often into the store. He felt embarrassed.

“A detective chief super was off duty and he restrained him. This is the result.”

Scanlon also admitted charges of making threats of violence and resisting arrest.

He was granted bail on condition he does not enter Tesco’s Prince Edward Road branch and retains an address in St Mary’ Avenue, South Shields, for court correspondence.

He is due back before the court on July 2.

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