Shoplifter’s needle threat to workers

A FARTOWN man threatened store staff with a needle.

Shabaz Munir, of Jade Place, was trying to steal clothing from the Huddersfield branch of Matalan on October 19.

A security guard saw the 35-yearold put a pair of chinos in a bag then stuff a grey top in his jacket and exit the store.

He was challenged by the guard and the store manager.

Andy Wills, prosecuting, said: “The defendant was asked to return inside and became aggressive.

“He was restrained on the floor and said: ‘I have a needle and I’m going to stab you with it.

“The defendant also made the veiled threat: ‘I know your family.’”

Munir was arrested and tested positive for the use of cocaine and opiates, admitting to committing the offence to fund his drug addiction.

He denied making any threats to the staff, telling police: “I told them I may have a needle but I didn’t threaten them – I haven’t got any needles on me.”

Munir admitted theft but denied the threatening behaviour charge.

He was convicted of this and magistrates ordered his arrest when he failed to show up for his trial last week.

The court heard that Munir had committed offences and served numerous prison terms to finance a long-standing drug addiction.

In 2010 he was jailed for a total of 28 months and then for 16 months in 2013 for offences of burglary.

He was then sentenced to four weeks in prison for shoplifting in 2014 and a further 56 weeks in custody in June last year.

Ian Whiteley, mitigating, said: “Sending this man to prison hasn’t stopped him from reoffending.”

Magistrates sentenced Munir to an electronically-monitored curfew for six weeks.

He must also pay £80 victim surcharge.