Man jailed for assault, racial abuse, and threats with knife - Plymouth

A man has been jailed for over two years after threatening members of the public with a knife and racially abusing others, assaulting a police officer, and stealing from and damaging a shop.

Jonathan Shotter, 43, and of Obelisk Road in Southampton, was convicted of shoplifting, causing criminal damage, possession of and making threats with a knife, assaulting an emergency service worker, a public order offence and a racially aggravated public order offence.

Shotter was sentenced at Southampton Crown Court on 8 August to 27 months imprisonment, made to pay £228 in costs and forfeiture of the knife.

The court head how on 29 October 2023 at Plymouth railway station, Shotter entered a shop at the station and stole just over £20 worth of food. He attempted to re-enter the shop a short time later but was asked to leave by staff.

Shotter grew agitated, becoming aggressive towards railway staff and forcing the shop to close its shutters to protect the staff remaining inside. He went on to shake, punch, and kick the shutter, damaging it.

Following this, Shotter brandished a knife and began to walk around the station and the platforms threatening members of staff and pretending to throw the knife at members of the public.

Shotter directly threatened to stab several members of staff, including saying towards a staff member working on the gate line that he would stab him in the head.

He also raised the knife to the face of a five-year-old boy before going on to shout racially abusive language towards other members of the public, pointing the knife in their direction and threatening them.

When officers arrived, Shotter placed the knife on the floor and was arrested. While being searched following his arrest, he headbutted one of the attending officers.

Investigating officer DC Adam Rudling said: “I am pleased with the result in this case. Shotter acted with wanton aggression towards railway staff, police officers, and members of the public. Violent and abusive behaviour will not be tolerated anywhere on the railway network.

“I hope that this sentence provides Shotter the opportunity to reflect on his actions and the consequences that follow, and I further hope it acts as a warning to anyone who would seek to threaten, harm, or abuse others.”