A SHOPLIFTER who knocked a woman police officer over with his bicycle has been jailed for 10 months.

John Barlow, 35, of Alexandra Place, Crewe, appeared at South Cheshire Magistrates Court on Wednesday and admitted stealing groceries from the Co-op shop in Badger Avenue, Crewe on June 25 and assaulting a police officer on July 6.

The court heard that PC Shamaila Ahmed tried to stop Barlow in Ellis Street, Crewe to arrest him for the theft.

He rode his bike at her and knocked her down, causing cuts and bruises.

Detective Sergeant Pete Sweeney, from the Crewe Neighbourhood Policing Unit Investigation Team, said he welcomed the prison sentence.

He added: 'This will would send a warning to other criminals who were tempted to think they could resort to violence to escape arrest.'