A “volatile” thief left supermarket staff terrified after threatening them with needles and a bottle of wine during a robbery.
Shocking video showed Stuart Andrew Westwood, 38, enter the Asda and begin filling a carrier bag with various items.
When members of staff challenged him, the attacker became aggressive and pulled several needles from his pocket, threatening workers and shouting, “Don’t touch me, I’ll stab you”.
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He then ran into another aisle and grabbed a bottle of wine, which he raised above his head as he moved towards the employees, threatening to use it as a weapon.
Fearing further violence, staff moved out of the way, allowing Westwood to flee with the stolen goods.
It happened at the store on Millbrook Road West, Southampton, Hants, as reported by Need To Know.
Following enquiries, Westwood, of no fixed abode, was later identified, arrested and charged.
He admitted robbery at a Southampton Crown Court hearing and was sentenced to 22 months in prison last week (1 April).
After sentencing, Hants Police PC Sophie Wellstead, who led the investigation, described the incident as frightening for the staff involved.
She said: “Westwood’s behaviour was volatile, intimidating and created a genuine risk of serious harm.
“I want to commend those working in the store for the calm and measured way they responded.”
She added that the sentence should reassure the public that violence and threats against retail workers will not be tolerated.
The robbery took place on 21 January.
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