Thief caught trying to flush the T-shirt down the toilet – in the police station on CCTV

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

Benjamin Mitchell, 33, was caught red-handed when he tried to flush his T-shirt down a police station toilet, causing a blockage.

The thug was previously arrested for hitting a man over the head with a glass bottle during a scuffle in central Nottingham.

A court heard the attack led to a mass brawl involving a number of other people at around 5.20pm on May 20.

After he was arrested, officers advised Mitchell that his T-shirt should be confiscated from him as it matched the T-shirt seen on 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 cell

Mitchell was arrested for hitting a man over the head with a glass bottle during a scuffle in central Nottingham

Camera checks showed that as soon as officers closed the door hatch, Mitchell flushed the T-shirt down the toilet.

He subsequently pleaded guilty to wounding or causing grievous bodily harm without intent and committing an act with intent to pervert the course of justice.

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

He was also given a two-year restraining order banning him from contacting the victim directly or indirectly.

Nottingham Crown Court heard 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 youngster that “manners cost nothing, say please,” an argument broke out, prompting Mitchell to become involved.

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

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

Mitchell’s actions led to heavy police action in Nottingham city centre

After shocked onlookers called 911, officers discovered the victim was unconscious after suffering a seizure.

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

Days later, police received a tip that the man who gave the victim glasses went by the nickname “Scarface.”

Based on this indication, an investigating officer identified a suspect who was subsequently positively identified by the victim.

In his plea, Mitchell gave a different version of events than that of the victim.

He claimed he was attacked by other people who falsely accused him of stealing a bicycle and that he “grabbed a bottle and lashed out recklessly.”

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

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

“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 fully deserves to be back behind bars.

“As an investigating officer, I am pleased that justice has been served and I hope that today’s sentencing will bring some form of closure for the victim.

“I also believe this case should serve as a warning to others about the serious consequences of committing violence.”