A dopey criminal was caught on CCTV trying to flush crucial evidence down the toilet – in a police custody block.
Benjamin Mitchell, 33, was seen on camera attempting, and failing, to dispose of his T-shirt in the loo at a cop shop, causing a blockage. The brute, known as “Scarface” had been nicked earlier for smashing a bloke over the head with a glass bottle during a violent street brawl in Nottingham city centre. The assault triggered a massive fight involving several others around 5.20pm on May 20.
After being arrested, cops told Mitchell they’d need to confiscate his T-shirt as it matched one seen in CCTV footage. But when officers returned to his cell, the T-shirt had vanished and Mitchell was now shirtless.
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CCTV checks showed that as soon as the officers shut the door hatch, Mitchell tried to flush the T-shirt down the loo. He later admitted to wounding/inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent and committing an act with intent to pervert the course of justice.
Mitchell, from Arnold, Nottingham, who has previously served three stints behind bars for wounding offences, was slapped with a 20-month prison sentence on Thursday (17/10). He was also hit with a two-year restraining order barring him from contacting the victim either directly or indirectly.
Nottingham Crown Court was told that the victim, who was marking his 25th birthday, was sitting outside the old Debenhams store when he was confronted by a young “wannabe gangster” demanding a cigarette. When the older man responded with “manners cost nothing, say please”, it sparked an argument which drew Mitchell into the fray.
The victim claimed Mitchell hit him over the head with a glass bottle, causing him to fight back. He was then pursued for a short distance before being kicked to the ground.
After horrified bystanders dialled 999, police found the victim slipping in and out of consciousness after suffering a seizure. He was rushed to Queen’s Medical Centre where he was treated for three cracked ribs and a large head wound that needed eight stitches.
Days later, cops received a tip-off that the man who attacked the victim was known as “Scarface”. Using this lead, a detective identified a suspect who was later positively identified by the victim.
In his plea, Mitchell offered a different account of events than the one given by the victim. He alleged he was being attacked by others who wrongly accused him of stealing a bike and that he’d “picked up a bottle and lashed out recklessly”.
Detective Constable Michael Love, of Nottinghamshire Police, commented after the case: “This was a disgraceful assault that took place in broad daylight in a busy part of the city.
“Mitchell once again displayed appalling violence and it is fortunate his victim was not more seriously hurt.
“Even in custody, Mitchell did what he could in a desperate attempt to derail the investigation.
“He has shown no remorse for his actions and fully deserves to be back behind bars.”
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