A MAN has been charged with assaulting an emergency worker and a spate of fraud offences.

Thomas James Gunner, of no fixed abode, was arrested in Marryat Road, New Milton on January 24.

His arrest followed reported incidents of shoplifting and fraud at Morrisons in Beechwood Avenue on January 16, Morrisons Daily on Avenue Road on January 17, and Tesco Express on Old Milton Road on January 24.

Gunner has also been charged with common assault of an emergency worker and fail to attend/remain for initial assessment following test for presence of Class A drug.

He has been released on conditional bail and will appear at Southampton Magistrates’ Court on March 19.