Knifeman went berserk during Plymouth railway station crime rampage
A Southampton man has been jailed after going on a violent rampage at Plymouth railway station. Jonathan Shotter threatened a five-year-old child and other members of the public as well as railway station workers with a knife.
Shotter, 43, of Obelisk Road, in Southampton, was convicted at Southampton Crown Court of shoplifting, causing criminal damage, possession of and making threats with a knife, assaulting an emergency service worker, a public order offence and a racially aggravated public order offence.
Appearing at the court on August 8 he was sentenced to 27 months' imprisonment and made to pay £228 in costs. He has also been forced to give up his knife.
READ MORE:'Hate graffiti' sprayed on Plymouth bank sparks police appeal
READ MORE:Plymouth man found dead at his home
The court head how on October 29 last year at Plymouth railway station, Shotter entered a shop at the station and stole just over £20 worth of food. He attempted to re-enter the shop a short time later but was asked to leave by staff.
Shotter grew agitated, becoming aggressive towards railway staff and forcing the shop to close its shutters to protect the staff remaining inside. He went on to shake, punch, and kick the shutter, damaging it.
Shotter then brandished a knife and began to walk around the station and the platforms threatening members of staff and pretending to throw the knife at members of the public. He then directly threatened to stab several members of staff, even telling a staff member working on the gate line that he would stab him in the head.
He also raised the knife to the face of a five-year-old boy before going on to shout racially abusive language towards other members of the public, pointing the knife in their direction and threatening them. When officers arrived, Shotter placed the knife on the floor and was arrested.
While being searched following his arrest, he headbutted one of the attending officers.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Adam Rudling, of British Transport Police, said: "I am pleased with the result in this case. Shotter acted with wanton aggression towards railway staff, police officers, and members of the public. Violent and abusive behaviour will not be tolerated anywhere on the railway network.
"I hope that this sentence provides Shotter the opportunity to reflect on his actions and the consequences that follow, and I further hope it acts as a warning to anyone who would seek to threaten, harm, or abuse others."
Click here to join PlymouthLive on WhatsApp and we'll send breaking news and top stories directly to your phone. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.