Man jailed for robbery, assault and gas thefts in Norwich

Paul Knights, 38, of Bishop Bridge House in Norwich, admitted to six charges and appeared at Norwich Magistrates Court on Thursday.

These charges related to two breaches of a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO), two breaches of a restraining order, one count of robbery and one of assault.

READ MORE: Shop worker sacked after trying to stop brazen thieves amid shoplifting surge

The CBO was imposed on October 26, 2021, to prevent his public use of butane gas and a restraining order was imposed on July 3, 2023, banning him from B&M in Riverside Retail Park.

The robbery charge related to an incident on October 17 last year when he pushed and punched a shop worker to get behind the counter and take a gas canister worth £3.90.

He also admitted to assaulting a support worker on October 10, 2023, when he was said to be annoyed at having to collect his medication daily.

A restraining order was imposed on July 3, 2023 banning him from B&M in Norwich Riverside (Image: Google)

A witness said he was “unpredictable and agitated”.

While on remand Knights engaged with Operation Converter and said he wanted to “clear his slate”.

He asked for 11 other offences to be taken into consideration.

Some of them dated back to 2021 and included thefts from shops, comprising mainly lighter fuel and alcohol, and instances of criminal damage.

READ MORE: Police hunt for group that assaulted teenage girl and man

Duncan Etchells, staff supervisor for Operation Converter, said: “Paul Knights was probably acting out of desperation when he committed these offences.

“He was self-medicating with butane gas for pain relief but this still does not excuse his behaviour.

“Norfolk Police will always try to protect shop staff just doing their job and, when offences such as this are committed, deal with the offenders robustly.

“I hope that now he is in prison he receives the help he says he needs.

“This spell in prison will also protect the local community from his offending."