A THIEF who assaulted a police officer and an airport shop worker has been jailed.

Stewart Hicks had been banned from entering Gatwick Airport following his antisocial behaviour.

But the 43-year-old entered the north terminal with a woman at about 3am on May 4.

He was seen entering a Marks and Spencer store three times in order to steal items including bottles of wine, a bottle of beer and 26 cans of energy drinks.

Members of the public reported Hicks to staff, who challenged him over thefts. He returned the energy drinks, but left the terminal with the alcohol.

A staff member challenged him further, at which point Hicks confronted and punched the worker.

After he was arrested on suspicion of theft and assault, he remained constantly abusive towards officers and security.

In custody, Hicks kicked and stamped on an officer’s foot and was further arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker.

At Crawley Magistrates’ Court, he admitted shoplifting, assault, assaulting an emergency worker and breaching a prohibition not to enter Gatwick Airport.

Hicks, of no fixed address, was jailed for a total of 16 weeks and was ordered to pay £50 in compensation to the shop worker and £50 to the police officer he assaulted.