Man jailed for multiple offences – West Oxfordshire

Following a Thames Valley Police investigation, a man has been jailed for multiple offences in West Oxfordshire.

Leigh Clarke, aged 30, of Well Lane, Curbridge, Oxfordshire, was sentenced to seven months in prison at Oxford Crown Court on Friday (17/6).

He was found guilty of one count each of breaching a suspended sentence, assault by beating, making off without payment, common assault and public order at the same court on 26 May.

Clarke was also acquitted of one count of assault by beating.

At around 9.50pm on 13 June last year, Clarke had a meal at Aangon Restaurant in Black Bourton Road, Carterton, and left, refusing to pay the bill.

When challenged by the manager, Clarke became aggressive and pushed the manager, a man in his fifties, over to get away.

At around 7.15pm on 16 August last year, Clarke was intoxicated in a park in Moorland Road, Witney, acting erratically and becoming aggressive towards members of the public.

Clarke was shouting and swearing at a group of boys playing football and adults who tried to intervene.

A woman in her forties was scared by Clarke’s behaviour and locked herself in her car, whom he followed and pulled on the door handles of the car trying to get in.

Officers attended and arrested Clarke. He was charged with all offences on 17 August last year.

All of Clarke’s offences were committed while he was subject to a suspended sentence.

PC Sarah Finch, based at Witney police station, said: “Clarke’s actions were unacceptable and I hope this conviction shows we will not accept this behaviour on our patch.

“I hope Clarke now spends his time in prison to reflect upon the serious nature of his crimes.”

JD

Note to editors:

The court has been amended from Oxford Magistrates' Court to Oxford Crown Court.