A determined police officer waded into a river to apprehend a shoplifter.
Simon Child, 46, had fled from officers in Mansfield town centre after stealing steaks from Marks and Spencer on the afternoon of Tuesday 11 August.
Child, a well-known offender, was last seen passing under a bridge and heading south through the ankle-deep waters of the River Maun.
Using his extensive local knowledge, the response officer concluded the suspect was likely heading for Titchfield Park.
Keen to avoid a confrontation in front of families enjoying the excellent weather, he drove to Bath Street and entered the water.
Hearing the shouts of his colleagues on dry land directing them towards Child, he was soon able to catch up with him.
After a brief struggle, during which the officer was assaulted, Child was arrested and led from the water.
Appearing at Mansfield Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 26 August, Child, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to six counts of shop theft and assaulting a police officer.
He was jailed for 24 weeks.
Sergeant Catherine Darby, of the town centre policing team, said:
“This was a great bit of work by all the officers involved, particularly the officer who entered the water.
“He used his extensive local knowledge to catch up with and detain a suspect attempting a highly unusual getaway.
“He may have got wet and been assaulted for his troubles, but he provided an exceptional service to the people of Mansfield.”
