Worcester man abused ASDA staff before stealing a hanging basket

Jamie Purcer, of Dent Close, Worcester, admitted using threatening, abusive words, behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress and theft from a shop when he appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court on Thursday, (September 22). 

Sumreen Afsar, prosecuting, said the 30-year-old had gone into Asda in St Martin's Quarter on September 3 and was watched after acting suspiciously, picking up items and putting them in his pocket.

COURT: Jamie Purcer outside Worcester Magistrates Court. Picture: Sam Greenway/Newsquest (Image: Sam Greenway/Newsquest)

"As he was about to leave (without paying) a shop assistant stops him," Mrs Afsar said.

"They told him he was banned from the store.

"Five minutes later he returned and had an argument about going back in.

"He grabbed a hanging basket (from the foyer) and leaves."

The prosecutor said Purcer then made a third attempt to enter later that day during which he swore at a staff member telling them to "get a proper job" before saying he wanted to fight them.

Police arrived and arrested Purcer, finding the hanging basket on his bike.

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Ian Parsons, defending Purcer, said: "He apologies through me. 

"It was unexpected for him what he did that day, it is something I hope he has learned from."

The solicitor explained his client at the time had just split from his long-term girlfriend who he had children with, and had been drinking and "consuming other things". 

"He has very little recollection of what happened in Asda that morning," Mr Parsons said. 

THIEF: Jamie Purcer stole a hanging basket from ASDA in Worcester. Picture: Newsquest

The solicitor said Purcer did have previous convictions, including for violence in 2004, but had been out of trouble for a long period.

He added that Purcer had a trade as a painter and decorator, but was currently not working as he was claiming benefits.

Trevor Burgess, chairman of the magistrates bench, told Purcer he would be fined £80 for both offences. 

Purcer was also ordered to pay court costs of £135, and a victim surcharge of £64. 

Purcer asked if it was OK the total, £359, was deducted from his benefits - the chairman telling him it was.

The chairman also reminded Purcer Asda staff had banned him from entering the store for the next 12 months.