An Isle of Wight man has avoided a jail sentence after stealing more than £2,600 worth of products from shops, assaulting two women, spitting at a police officer and being in possession of heroin.

Gary Dauncey, of Cross Lane in Newport, attended the Isle of Wight Magistrates’ Court on Friday, September 13.

The 53-year-old previously pleaded guilty to seven counts of theft from a shop, two counts of assault by beating, common assault of an emergency worker and possession of heroin.

Lauren Stone, prosecuting, said Dauncey’s friend received multiple calls from him asking to speak about his mental health.

Court heard that the pair went for a walk and entered a graveyard in Bembridge, where Dauncey asked his friend for money, but after she refused, he became aggressive.

The victim was hit by Dauncey as she turned to walk away, and, after attempting to run, ended up on the ground, with Dauncey standing over her screaming, said Ms Stone.

Ms Stone told the court that police arrived at the scene and searched his bag, discovering clothes on hangers with price tags still attached.

Police also found heroin in Dauncey’s pocket, and during his arrest, he spat at an officer.

Earlier the same day, Dauncey entered Sports Direct in Newport and stole six CP Company shirts to the value of £1,030, however, a staff member suspected him of theft and blocked the exit, the court heard.

Sports Direct in NewportSports Direct in Newport (Image: IWCP) Ms Stone said the staff member asked Dauncey to show her the contents of his bag, but he pushed her and left the store.

Dauncey was brought to court, where he pleaded guilty to the offences, and was granted bail.

On August 19, Dauncey returned to court charged with six further thefts:

  • On July 30 at B&Q, he stole a Webber BBQ and two other high-value items to the value of £550.
  • On August 6 at JD Sports, he stole sports goods to the value of £238.
  • On August 6 at B&M, he stole a vacuum cleaner to the value of £150.
  • On August 7 at Central Stores in Newport, he stole yoghurt, milkshake and beer to the value of £18.
  • On August 14 at Central Stores in Newport, he stole yoghurt and milkshakes to the value of £6.
  • On August 14 at Sports Direct, he stole sporting goods to the value of £666.

Only the items stolen from B&Q and B&M were recovered.

B&M store on Newport High StreetB&M store on Newport High Street (Image: Google Maps) Michael McGoldrick, defending, reminded magistrates that his client has spent 27 days in custody since his arrest prior to his second court appearance.

Dauncey was handed an 18-month community order, with 30 rehabilitation days and a 12-month drug rehabilitation requirement.

Dauncey must also pay a combined £840 compensation to Central Stores, JD Sports and Sports Direct, and £210 compensation split between his three victims.