A man has been charged after a staff member was assaulted at a Southampton Sainsbury’s store yesterday morning (Tuesday 5 November).

At 7.40am, it was reported to police that a man had entered the Sainsbury’s store on Portswood Road and attempted to steal various drinks.

When challenged, he became verbally abusive and assaulted a member of staff. The staff member, who is in his 20s, sustained minor injuries to his head.

Jobie Michael Cross, 24, of no fixed abode, has been charged with theft, common assault, racially/religiously aggravated fear/provocation of violence by words/writing and using threatening/abusive/insulting words/behaviour to cause harassment/alarm/distress. He is due to appear at Southampton Magistrates Court today (Wednesday 6 November).