A MULTIPLE shop thief who assaulted a young woman in a random attack in a busy Thurrock street escaped prison when he appeared in court.

Thomas Larke, 24, who gave his address as 'no fixed abode' when he appeared before Southend magistrates assaulted a woman on King Street in Stanford-le-Hope.

The incident happened around 9am on Tuesday, 1 July after he had left the Railway Tavern, where he was staying.

Initially he attempted to assault a woman who escaped by getting into a taxi.

Larke then turned his attention to another woman who was passing by and pulled her hair and punched her several times.

She escaped by taking shelter in a local estate agency office where the door was locked to prevent him getting access. Police were alerted and apprehended Larke in the town centre.

A search of his room at the pub unearthed a number of weapon, reportedly including machetes, knives and hammers.

Larke, who originates from Wales, is known to have a drug addiction.

He appeared at Southend Magistrates' Court on Friday, 4 July and was fined £50 in connection with multiple shop thefts and for assault by beating

He was issued with a community order with a drug rehabilitation requirement and rehabilitation activity requirement.

Larke also received an order to pay £300 compensation for the assault.