Local sentencing follows Avonmouth supermarket incident
A North Somerset teenager who triggered a large emergency response after spraying shoppers with a homemade irritant at a supermarket has been sentenced at Bristol Crown Court.
The defendant, Romeo Dumbi, now 18, pleaded guilty to four counts of administering a noxious substance in relation to the episode at the Costco on St Brendan's Way, Avonmouth on 17 February 2025. At the time of the offence he was 17.
Police, fire and ambulance teams attended
Members of the public detained Dumbi before officers arrived. Emergency services — police, fire and ambulance — responded to the store. Ten people, including Dumbi, received treatment from paramedics and were discharged at the scene.
Evidence and police findings
Investigators discovered footage of Dumbi filming himself preparing the spray. The irritant was described in court as a food-grade irritant that had been legally obtained online. Police also reported finding internet searches that indicated an unhealthy interest in serious violence.
"I would like to thank the members of the public and Costco staff who bravely restrained Dumbi until officers arrived at the scene," said Detective Sergeant Mike Coleman. "His reckless actions caused significant panic and distress to members of the public. People were complaining of stinging or itchy eyes and skin and not knowing the content of the spray in the early stages added to their concern."
Sentence and conditions
Sentencing on 16 July, His Honour Judge William Hart handed down a 16-month custodial sentence, suspended for two years. The court imposed several requirements and restrictions:
- Electronic tagging to monitor movements;
- A 28-day rehabilitation requirement;
- A five-year Serious Crime Prevention Order (SCPO) placing strict limits on internet use, online accounts and internet-enabled devices, and requiring police access to the defendant's home and devices.
Local implications
The case underlines the potential for widely available substances to cause public alarm when misused and the role of bystanders and retail staff in restraining and assisting until emergency services arrive. The SCPO attached to the sentence places long-term limits on the defendant’s internet access, reflecting judicial concern about online activity found during the investigation.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Costco, St Brendan's Way, Avonmouth (North Somerset) |
| Date of incident | 17 February 2025 |
| Defendant | Romeo Dumbi |
| Sentence | 16 months custody, suspended for 2 years; electronic tag; 28-day rehab; 5-year SCPO |
The police statement expressed gratitude to those who intervened and noted the distress caused to shoppers. The court’s restrictions are intended to limit the defendant’s access to means and networks that could enable further offending while providing a period of supervised rehabilitation.
