Man jailed after racially abusing staff and slashing tyres at Wisbech filling station
Lewis Marsh was found guilty following a trial at Peterborough Magistrates' Court
A man has been jailed after racially abusing staff at a filling station and slashing the tyres on a van.
27-year-old Lewis Marsh went to the station on Lynn Road in Wisbech on 8th October last year, when it was temporarily closed for re-fuelling.
Police said that as soon as he entered the premises, he began verbally abusing two members of staff, including making racist remarks.
Marsh then left the shop, produced a knife, and unsuccessfully tried to puncture the tyres on an HGV, police said.
He then turned his attention to a van parked on the site and slashed its tyres, before crossing the road and watching as the victims noticed the damage, according to police.
He then walked back to the scene and denied causing the damage, police said.
Marsh, who is of no known address, was identified and arrested on Juke Street in Wisbech three days later.
When he was searched, officers said they found a folding lock knife.
Marsh admitted one count of criminal damage, but denied racially aggravated criminal damage, using abusive words to cause harassment, alarm or distress, and two counts of possession of a knife in public.
He was found guilty following a trial at Peterborough Magistrates' Court on Thursday 8th October, and was jailed for six months.
PC Copeland 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," PC Copeland said.