Cardiff Lego Thief Jailed After Assaulting Staff and Jumping in River
A shoplifter who stole Lego, alcohol, and ready meals from a service station in Cardiff has been sentenced to 12 weeks in jail after assaulting a staff member with a can of Red Bull and jumping into a river in a futile attempt to evade police.
Ryan Rankmore, 42, entered the Welcome Break Services at Cardiff Gate on February 8 and began filling a bag with items. When two staff members challenged him and told him to pay, he became verbally abusive and aggressive.
Assault and Escape Attempt
After leaving the shop, Rankmore hit one staff member in the face with a can of Red Bull. Police were called, and during a search of the area, officers spotted him. When they attempted to stop him, Rankmore, from Llanrumney, ran away and jumped into a nearby river to avoid arrest, making threats to go further into the water.
This reckless action led to a major emergency response, with South Wales Police, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Welsh Ambulance, and the National Police Air Service all deployed to the scene. They successfully brought Rankmore back onto the riverbank, where he was arrested.
Previous Charges and Sentencing
Following his arrest, it was revealed that Rankmore was on conditional bail awaiting trial for two counts of assault by beating from an incident in June last year. He changed his plea to guilty on February 10.
He was subsequently jailed for 12 weeks after admitting to theft from a shop and three counts of assault by beating. PC Jones from South Wales Police commented on the case, stating that Rankmore's actions were inexcusable and that no one should face violence while doing their job.
PC Jones added: "His attempts to avoid arrest not only wasted emergency resources but were also pointless, as we were determined to hold him accountable for his actions. Rankmore's additional assault charges highlight the aggression he poses, and I'm pleased to see him held accountable for all of his actions."
This incident underscores the serious consequences of retail theft and assault, as well as the risks posed by individuals who attempt to evade law enforcement through dangerous means.
