A drug addict and shoplifter who assaulted a security guard at a Colchester store has been jailed for eight weeks.

Terry Poole, 39, spat blood in the face of Jacob Itsede and then headbutted him outside a Boots in November 2022.

Poole appeared via prison video link before Ipswich Crown Court after admitting assaulting Mr Itsede while in breach of a conditional discharge.

The court heard Mr Itsede had detained a woman outside the store, suspecting her of shoplifting.

Police had been called but before they arrived Poole approached the security guard.

Poole spat blood at the security guard’s face several times, then took off his shirt and headbutted Mr Itsede in the face.

The assault continued inside the store and members of the public had to intervene in an attempt to calm Poole down.

Poole, who has 33 previous convictions, also admitted to a charge of criminal damage after tearing Mr Itsede’s shirt.

Mark Tomassi, mitigating, said Poole had admitted the offence at the earliest opportunity.

Judge Martyn Levett jailed Poole, of Harwich Road, Colchester, for eight weeks.