Thief caught trying to flush evident t-shirt down toilet – inside police custody block on CCTV

This is the moment a thug was captured on CCTV trying to flush vital evidence down a toilet in a police custody block.

Benjamin Mitchell, 33, was caught red-handed when he unsuccessfully tried to throw his t-shirt into the bathroom of a police station, causing a blockage.

The thug had previously been arrested for hitting a man in the head with a glass bottle during a fight in Nottingham city center.

A court heard the attack triggered a mass fight involving several other people at around 5.20pm on May 20.

After being arrested, officers informed Mitchell that his t-shirt would need to be seized as it matched the one seen on the CCTV footage.

But when officers returned to his cell, the t-shirt was nowhere to be found and Mitchell was topless.

Benjamin Mitchell, 33, flushes his T-shirt down the toilet in a police custody block

Mitchell was arrested for hitting a man over the head with a glass bottle during a fight in Nottingham city center

CCTV checks revealed that as soon as officers closed the door hatch, Mitchell threw the t-shirt down the toilet.

He went on to plead guilty to wounding or inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent and to committing an act with intent to pervert the course of justice.

Mitchell, of Arnold, Nottingham, who has already served three prison sentences for wounding offences, was jailed for 20 months on Thursday.

He was also the subject of a two-year restraining order prohibiting him from contacting the victim, directly or indirectly.

Nottingham Crown Court heard that the victim – who was celebrating his 25th birthday – was sitting outside the former Debenhams store when he was approached by a young “wannabe gangster” who demanded a cigarette.

He said when he told the young man that “manners cost nothing, please say so”, an argument ensued which led to Mitchell becoming involved.

The man said Mitchell hit him in the head with a glass bottle, prompting him to retaliate.

He was then chased for a short distance before being kicked to the ground.

Mitchell’s actions sparked a strong police response in Nottingham city center

After shocked bystanders called 999, officers found the victim losing consciousness and having suffered a seizure.

He was taken to Queen’s Medical Center and treated for three broken ribs and a large gash on his head that required eight stitches.

Days later, the police received a report that the man who attacked the victim was known by the nickname ‘Scarface’.

From this tip, an investigating officer established a suspect who was positively identified by the victim.

On the basis of his plea, Mitchell gave a different version of events to that given by the victim.

He claimed he was being attacked by others who falsely accused him of stealing a bicycle and that he “grabbed a bottle and attacked recklessly.”

Detective Constable Michael Love, of Nottinghamshire Police, said after the case: “This was a disgraceful attack which took place in broad daylight in a busy part of the city.

‘Mitchell once again displayed appalling violence and it was fortunate that his victim was not more seriously injured.

“Even in custody, Mitchell did what he could in a desperate attempt to derail the investigation.

‘He has shown no remorse for his actions and deserves to be back behind bars.

‘As the investigating officer, I am pleased that justice has been done and hope that today’s sentence brings some degree of closure for the victim.

‘I also think this case should serve as a warning to others about the serious consequences of being a perpetrator of violence.’