Teesside shoplifter threatened Asda staff with knife

Jordan Hill targeted the same Asda store on both occasions but was spotted by staff who recognised him as a known shoplifter.

Teesside Crown Court heard how Hill became abusive and threatening when confronted by staff as he tried to avoid capture.

Olivia Randell, prosecuting, said on the first occasion Hill and another man walked into the supermarket before the defendant started putting £73 worth of booze in a rucksack and attempting to walk out on October 23 last year.

She said: “A worker grabbed the backpack and the two of them became involved in a tug-of-war over the backpack and the worker could hear the bottles of spirits in the bag being knocked together.

“The defendant has threatened to stab the man if he didn’t let go of the backpack, he has then pulled out a small knife from his pocket and moved it towards the man’s hand.

“He has instantly let go of the back and step away to avoid injury.”

Dealing with a second shoplifting offence on November 14 last year, Miss Randell said Hill stole £63.60 worth of steak and he was confronted by staff as he tried to leave.

She said: “Again, he has threatened to use a blade but one was not produced on this occasion.

“Eventually staff were able to take the bag with steak off the defendant but he stayed at the scene demanding they return his bag for life.”

Jordan Hill (Image: Cleveland Police)

Hill, of Lilac Avenue, Thornaby, pleaded guilty to two shop thefts, assault by beating, threatening a person with a knife, and a public order offence.

Tom Bennett, prosecuting, said: “It is clear from his pre-sentence report that he has an ongoing issues with substance misuse.

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“At the time of these offences, he had relapsed into tablet and alcohol misuse.”

Judge Jonathan Carroll sentenced the 27-year-old to a total of 20 months for all offences.

He said: “A staff member tried to intervene, there was a struggle and throughout you threatened to stab him.

“You then pulled out a knife, the fact it is a small knife simply does not matter. If you take a knife out and start threatening staff, while making stabbing movements, you will inevitably receive a custodial sentence.”