Drunk man assaulted Spalding charity shop worker - and tried to snatch cash from customer

A drunken man assaulted a worker in a Spalding charity shop and tried to snatch money from a customer.

Wladyslaw Paluch (65) initially asked members of staff and a customer for money to buy alcohol.

“The defendant was asked several times by both the (assault) victim and others to leave but he refused,” said Lottie Tyler, prosecuting at Boston Magistrates’ Court last Wednesday.

“The defendant then went on to attempt to take money from a customer’s hand and a purse but was unable to do so.”

Worker Danielle Watson then tried to lead Paluch out of the Lighthouse Project shop in Sheep Market.

But instead of departing he slapped down hard on her arm several times.

“It caused the victim immediate pain, albeit no lasting injuries,” added Miss Tyler.

Paluch then fell into a CD rack before leaving when told the police were being called.

He later told officers that due to being drunk he couldn’t remember the assault or even being in the shop.

The court was told the defendant was ‘remorseful’ and had to returned to drinking following the death of a loved one.

Rebecca Freitas, mitigating, said her client had previously worked with probation and managed to stop drinking after a number of years with alcohol issues.

However, she continued, he had relapsed following the suicide of a close family member.

“He’s extremely remorseful for his actions to the lady in the shop,” Mrs Freitas added.

Paluch, of Hawthorn Bank, Spalding, pleaded guilty to assault and was fined £333.

He must also pay £100 in compensation to the victim.

Magistrates also ordered Paluch to pay an additional £208 - the £133 victim surcharge and £85 costs.