Off-duty response officer wrestles violent shoplifter to the ground

A violent shoplifter was wrestled to the ground by an off-duty response officer when he targeted a Nottingham supermarket.

Sonny Wharmsby, aged 44, of no fixed address, targeted Sainsbury’s in Castle Bridge Road on four occasions, stealing nearly £300 of goods.

Wharmsby entered the supermarket on Friday 3 April, just before 3pm, with a basket and lifted products from the shelf.

He then entered the self-checkout area, appearing to scan the products and place them into Sainsbury’s bags before leaving the store.

He even attempted to look at a fake receipt on his way out to avoid suspicion, knowing full well he hadn’t paid for a single item in his bags.

But his luck ran out when PC Ross Morgan was doing his weekly shop on a rest day.

When Wharmsby didn’t take too kindly to security guards preventing him from leaving the store, he turned violent.

PC Morgan saw the commotion and ran to the security guards aid and wrestled Wharmsby to the floor and ensured he could not move.

He then restrained the prolific shoplifter for a further 15 minutes until uniformed officers arrived and he was taken to custody.

During that time, PC Morgan received an injury to his hand caused by the suspect’s crack pipe. But he continued to restrain him.

Wharmsby pleaded guilty to four shop thefts and obstructing / resisting an officer in the execution of their duty. He was jailed for four weeks and had to pay compensation.

PC Morgan said:

“I realised instantly that this male was in the middle of committing an offence and the security guards needed assistance.

“I have run towards the security guards and the male in question and made it known that I was an off-duty police officer.

“I have gone to grab the male’s right hand to attempt to gain control of him as he was kicking out and attempting to flee from myself and the security guards.

“However, he was refusing to comply with commands and continued to ignore me.

“I have then made the decision to strike the male in the back of his legs to get him on the ground whilst also shouting at him.

“This has proved to be effective, and the male has fallen onto the ground.

“I have then placed the male into a wrist lock position, and the male has stopped trying to fight with myself.”

Chief Inspector Anwaar Ahmed, responsible for city centre response, said:

“Despite being off-duty and having no protective clothing, PC Morgan showed no hesitation in stepping in and ensuring that a violent shoplifter did not get away with his crimes.

“He successfully controlled the situation and ensured that the offender had no other option but to remain where he was until uniformed officers arrived.

“He showed bravery and resilience, and this is testament to the work of our response officers, whether on or off duty.

“Shoplifting has a detrimental impact on our business community and is closely linked to other offences including drug supply.

“That’s why it is vitally important that those who target our business community are put before the courts and dealt with for their crimes.”