A violent shoplifter who attacked police officers, taking one's Taser and aiming it at him in the process, at the Metrocentre has been jailed.
Officers from Northumbria Police responded to a report from staff of a man shoplifting at the Metrocentre in Gateshead on July 29, 2021. At the scene, they found thief David Noutch, who resisted arrest, managing to remove a Taser from one officer before aiming it at him.
Another officer and three members of the public managed to help subdue Noutch so that he could be arrested. Both officers involved in the arrest suffered injuries but ,thankfully, made a full recovery.
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At Newcastle Crown Court on Friday, December 16, Noutch- of Blyth Street in Chopwell, Gateshead- was sentenced to 41 months in prison after admitting theft, use of a firearm with intent to resist arrest and assaulting police officers.
Both officers involved in the arrest of Noutch have now been commended for the bravery they showed as well as a further three officers for their work as part of the investigation, which led to the prosecution.
All three members of the public who intervened were given honours at last year’s National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) Police and Public Bravery Awards.
Inspector Alan Davison, of Northumbria Police, said: “This is a good result in court following a violent incident in which our officers’ safety was seriously put at risk.
“Noutch was determined to avoid arrest on the day of the offence and desperate enough to grab an officer’s firearm in the process.
“We hope the sentence handed out acts as a warning to any offenders who think that they can assault emergency workers without facing very serious consequences.”
Inspector Davison added: “I’d also like to convey my thanks to the three members of the public who came to the assistance of our officers.
“While we would never ask anyone to put themselves at risk, we continue to see extraordinary acts from the communities we are privileged to be a part of and serve.”
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