Shoplifter threatened Walsall workers with syringes

Drug addict Richard Webster, aged 28, repeatedly used the tactic when stealing, Wolverhampton Crown Court was told.

In the latest theft he pulled out a syringe after he stole two DVDs from the Asda Living department store in Walsall on October 28 last year.

Mr Edward Soulsby, prosecuting, told a hearing yesterday: "When challenged by the security guards he pulled out a syringe when asked to go with them. He said, 'I don't think so' and thrust it towards one of the guards. They backed off, but followed him. He confronted them and said 'come on then'. He then ran off towards the main shopping area. He was later identified on CCTV."

Webster, of High Street, Bloxwich, admitted one offence of theft and one offence of possession of a bladed article at a previous hearing.

The court heard that Webster's previous convictions involving syringes included incidents in 2005, and twice last year, in February and May where he again threatened shop security staff with syringes. Mr Oliver Woolhouse, defending, said Webster's behaviour was linked to use of class A drugs.

"He is not someone who tends to use violence. He threatens, but doesn't carry it out. He handed the items over to the security guard. He has a terrible history of drug offending."

Sentencing Webster, Mr Recorder Robert Egbuna said: "You are a persistent shoplifter. You have a pattern of taking syringes with you and then threaten people who then try to apprehend you."

For theft at Asda Living at Crown Retail Park, Wolverhampton Street, Webster was jailed for six months, and for possession of a bladed article eight months, consecutively, but the terms were suspended for 24 months with supervision. He must also pay a £80 victim surcharge. There was no order for costs.

Webster had been in custody for 83 days and was released after the hearing.