A 25-year-old Liverpool woman has been sentenced to nine months in prison after biting a security guard during a theft at the John Lewis store in Liverpool ONE. Emily Williams, who had a history of shoplifting, assaulted the staff member after being caught stealing scented candles valued at £240.
Key Takeaways
- Emily Williams, 25, was jailed for nine months for assault and theft.
- The incident occurred at the John Lewis in Liverpool ONE on June 5.
- Williams bit a security guard and shouted "I have HIV" during the confrontation.
- She has 18 previous convictions for 29 offences, including 14 for theft.
- A three-year restraining order now bans her from entering the store.
Details of the John Lewis Incident
Liverpool Crown Court heard that on June 5, a security guard at the John Lewis store identified Emily Williams, who was already under an indefinite ban for previous thefts. Williams, of Stanley Street in the city centre, was observed placing four scented candles, with a total value of £240, into her bag.
According to prosecutor David Watson, Williams then tried to exit the store without paying for the items. The security guard intervened to challenge her and retrieve the stolen goods.
Confrontation Escalates to Violence
When confronted, Williams refused to return the candles, leading to what was described as a "short tussle." During the altercation, she became aggressive, threatening the security staff member. The situation quickly escalated when Williams physically assaulted the employee.
The court was shown CCTV footage of the incident, which captured the violent exchange taking place in a doorway as shoppers looked on. Williams was seen in court covering her face as the video was played.
A History of Offending
The court was informed that Williams has a significant criminal record, with 18 prior convictions for 29 separate offences. This history includes 14 convictions specifically for theft and three for assault, establishing a pattern of repeat offending.
Violent Assault and Threats
During the struggle, Williams threatened the security guard, stating she was "going to get the security guard battered." The prosecution detailed how she then shouted that she had HIV before biting the 30-year-old victim's left hand.
The bite left the security guard with bruising. Following the assault, Williams fled the scene. She was later identified and arrested by police on June 14 near London Road.
Victim Impact Statement
A statement from the victim was read in court, describing Williams as a "prolific shoplifter" who frequently targets the store. The guard noted, "Ms Williams can enter the store multiple times in the same day and steal goods. We are instructed to no longer challenge Ms Williams. She is able to assault myself and my colleagues without remorse."
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
In court, Williams admitted to charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, theft, and breaching court bail. She had previously failed to attend a court hearing and had been held in custody at HMP Styal since mid-August.
Defense Cites Personal Hardship
Stuart Mills, defending Williams, explained her absence from a previous hearing was due to personal circumstances, including the anniversary of several family deaths. He acknowledged her extensive criminal record but argued she had reached a turning point.
"She has reached a point in her life now where custodial sentences are going to be the inevitable consequence of committing further offences, but she has a mindset where she wants to take advantage of any assistance that she can be given," Mr. Mills stated. He added that Williams was anxious to maintain contact with her children and turn her life around.
Judge's Final Remarks
Sentencing Williams, Judge Neil Flewitt KC acknowledged her difficult background. "You have had a dreadful life. One can only have the utmost sympathy for all that you have had to deal with and the drug addiction that you are contending with," he said.
However, the judge also pointed out her repeated failure to cooperate with support services. "The reality is that, time and time again, you have been given the support of the Probation Service, and you have turned it down," he remarked.
Addressing the assault, Judge Flewitt added: "When you were challenged, you fought with her and then bit her, telling her that you had HIV. I appreciate that that may not have been true, but she must have been terrified as a result."
Williams was sentenced to nine months in prison. She was also issued a restraining order, which prohibits her from entering the John Lewis store for the next three years.