Chesterfield shoppers “shocked” by recovering addict’s obscene in-store rant

A recovering drug addict terrorised shoppers and staff at a Newbold Co-op with a foulmouthed tirade after being confronted about begging outside, a court heard.
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Jonathan Dodson, 37, became “instantly aggressive” when worker Charlotte Godbehere asked him to move on - calling her a “stupid f****** woman”.

Shocked Ms Godbehere - who challenged Dodson after customers reported him asking for “food and money” outside - was then followed back into the store by the angry Newbold man.

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Chesterfield Magistrates Court heard how, as stunned customers looked on, he shouted “no-one’s asked me to leave - it’s f****** ridiculous”.

Jonathan Dodson, 37, became “instantly aggressive” when worker Charlotte Godbehere asked him to move onJonathan Dodson, 37, became “instantly aggressive” when worker Charlotte Godbehere asked him to move on
Jonathan Dodson, 37, became “instantly aggressive” when worker Charlotte Godbehere asked him to move on

Becky Allsop, prosecuting, told told how Ms Godbehere was “shocked he would come into the store and hurl that abuse” - adding “there may have been children in the store”.

The court heard Dodson, who had not been in trouble for five years before the January 10 incident - was “extremely remorseful” when interviewed by police and accepted responsibility.

Solicitor Ben Strelley told how Dodson had been before the courts previously for “dishonesty offences linked to an addition to class A substances”.

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However his “biggest fear is going to prison because he has made significant changes”.

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Previously homeless Dodson was now living in supported accommodation, engaging with drug services and “no longer using illicit substances”.

Mr Strelley added: “Probation say he is highly motivated and is severely disgusted with his actions.

“This is someone who has finally realised the way they were living was not the lifestyle they wanted.

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“He cannot believe he finds himself in this situation again - sadly for him on that day he took the comments the wrong way.

“Once he had calmed down he realised that’s not the way to behave.”

Sentencing Dodson a magistrate told him the probation service had written a “glowing report” about his progress.

However she added: “It’s not ideal that this was what happened to a lady in a shop just doing her job.”

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Dodson, of Brome Head Way, Newbold, admitted using threatening behaviour and was conditionally discharged for 12 months.

He was also made to pay £50 compensation to his victim.

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