Man jailed for abusing staff and slashing van tyres at Wisbech filling station
He was found guilty at Peterborough Magistrates' Court
A man who abused staff at a filling station in Wisbech and then slashed the tyres on a van has been jailed for six months.
Cambridgeshire Constabulary said 27-year-old Lewis Marsh, of no known address, was found guilty at a trial at Peterborough Magistrates' Court on Thursday 8th October.
What happened at the filling station
The force said Marsh went to the station on Lynn Road on 8th October last year, when it was temporarily closed for refuelling.
As soon as he entered the premises, he started verbally abusing two men, including making racist remarks.
He then left the shop, produced a knife and unsuccessfully tried to puncture the tyres on an HGV.
Marsh then turned his attention to a van parked on the site and slashed its tyres.
He crossed the road and watched as the victims noticed the damage.
He then walked back to the scene and denied causing it.
Arrest and court
Marsh was identified and arrested on Juke Street, Wisbech, three days later.
When he was searched, officers found a folding lock knife.
He admitted one count of criminal damage.
He denied racially aggravated criminal damage, using abusive words to cause harassment, alarm or distress, and two counts of possession of a knife in public.
PC Copeland, of Cambridgeshire Constabulary, said: "Marsh's behaviour was completely unacceptable and totally unprovoked.
"The victims were just going about their day when he decided to verbally abuse them and damage their property, seemingly completely at random.
"I'm pleased he was identified, apprehended and has now faced justice for his actions."