Off-Duty Police Officer Wrestles Shoplifter to Ground in Nottingham Supermarket
This is the dramatic moment an off-duty police officer came to the aid of two supermarket security guards who were trying to detain a violent shoplifter at a Sainsbury's store in Nottingham. The incident occurred on Friday, April 3, just before 3pm, when PC Ross Morgan was doing his weekly shopping on a rest day.
Shoplifter's Elaborate Scheme Unravels
Sonny Wharmsby, 44, of no fixed address, had targeted the Sainsbury's store on Castle Bridge Road on four separate occasions, stealing nearly £300 worth of goods. During this particular incident, Wharmsby entered the supermarket with a basket and lifted products from the shelves before proceeding to the self-checkout area.
He then pretended to scan the items and placed them into Sainsbury's bags, creating the appearance of a legitimate purchase. As he attempted to leave the store, Wharmsby even read a bogus receipt in a bid to cover up the fact that he hadn't actually paid for any of the items in his possession.
Violent Confrontation Erupts
When security guards tried to prevent Wharmsby from leaving the store, he began to resist violently. PC Morgan, who had been shopping nearby, noticed the commotion and immediately sprang into action. The off-duty response officer ran toward the security guards and the suspect, announcing that he was a police officer.
"I realised instantly that this male was in the middle of committing an offence and the security guards needed assistance," PC Morgan said in a statement. "I have run towards the security guards and the male in question and made it known that I was an off-duty police officer."
Dramatic Restraint and Injury
PC Morgan attempted to grab Wharmsby's right hand to gain control as the suspect was kicking out and trying to flee. When Wharmsby refused to comply with commands, the officer made the decision to strike him in the back of the legs to bring him to the ground.
"This has proved to be effective, and the male has fallen onto the ground," PC Morgan explained. "I have then placed the male into a wrist lock position, and the male has stopped trying to fight with myself."
During the struggle, PC Morgan sustained an injury to his hand after coming into contact with a crack pipe belonging to the suspect. Despite this injury, he continued to restrain Wharmsby for approximately 15 minutes until uniformed officers arrived on the scene.
Legal Consequences for the Shoplifter
Wharmsby was arrested and later pleaded guilty to four counts of shop theft as well as obstructing and resisting an officer in the execution of their duty. He was subsequently jailed for four weeks and ordered to pay compensation for his crimes.
A spokesperson for Nottinghamshire Police stated: "A violent shoplifter was wrestled to the ground by an off-duty response officer when he targeted a Nottingham supermarket. PC Morgan saw the commotion and ran to the security guards' aid and wrestled Wharmsby to the floor and ensured he could not move."
The spokesperson added that PC Morgan continued to restrain the prolific shoplifter despite sustaining the hand injury from the suspect's crack pipe, demonstrating remarkable dedication to public safety even while off duty.
