A THUG who attacked shop workers in a dispute over cans of lager has been jailed.

Last Thursday, Garry William Addison, 36, was jailed for three years at Newcastle Crown Court after the incident last October.

Addison was arrested by officers following a report of assault at a shop in Hexham where he had attempted to buy cigarettes at the shop but didn’t have the money to pay for them.

Staff asked him to leave and Addison attempted to flee the store with some cans of alcohol. He then assaulted a staff member.

Addison also threatened officers with a pair of pliers before kicking and punching them.

Addison, of St Helens Gate, Hexham, pleaded guilty to robbery, battery and assaulting a police officer.

Superintendent Andy Huddleston, of Northumbria Police, said: “This has been an awful incident which has understandably been very traumatic for those who work in the newsagents and for those he has assaulted, including one of our police officers.

"Our officers come to work knowing there is an element of danger and risk but this mindless assault on an officer is wholly unacceptable and this man needs to learn from his actions.

"He is now behind bars and I hope it gives some reassurance to the community and those affected by this man that we will take action to keep our communities safe."