Screwdriver used to stab shop guard

A MAN stole nearly £700 worth of toiletries from Boots before threatening a security guard and stabbing him repeatedly in the arm with a screwdriver.

Cardiff Crown Court heard Mohammed Saiam and security guard Richard Shaw were involved in a struggle in the store at Ty Glas retail park in Llanishen before the assault occurred outside on Thursday, January 19.

Prosecutor Tony Trigg said the security guard was “horrified” when he realised the defendant was stabbing him in the arm.

Mr Trigg said the security guard became aware two men had taken £669 worth of toiletries and left without paying. Saiam returned soon afterwards and Mr Shaw told him he was detaining him on suspicion of shoplifting.

The prosecutor said: “There was a struggle – they fell to the floor, got to their feet, struggled through the store, across the road and to the other side of the retail park.”

Mr Trigg told the court the defendant said he had a screwdriver, but the security guard thought he was “bluffing” and continued trying to restrain him.

He added: “Mr Shaw thought he was being punched in the upper arm, but realised to his horror the defendant was stabbing him with a screwdriver.”

The court heard Saiam made off, but was caught by police outside Llanishen Leisure Centre.

Mr Shaw received three puncture wounds to his upper left arm, including a 3cm wound, as well as several cuts to his hand.

Mr Trigg said: “In interview, the defendant admitted theft and apologised for what he had done.”

He told police he was addicted to heroin and crack cocaine and had started stealing to fund his addiction.

The court heard he had five previous convictions, mostly for shoplifting.

Saiam, 44, from Chapel Wood, Llanedeyrn, Cardiff, admitted theft, making threats with an offensive weapon and wounding with intent.

The offences were committed in breach of a community order imposed a month earlier for eight theft offences.

Edward Mitchard, defending, said his client used to run an Indian restaurant in Tonyrefail but lost his life savings when the restaurant closed. He tried heroin after ending up in thousands of pounds of debt.

Mr Mitchard said his client’s life had “spiralled out of control”. He said Saiam, a father-of-three, managed to find work as a waiter and was earning £150 a week, but spent that amount each day on heroin and crack cocaine.

He said: “This offence has brought great shame upon him.”

He told the court his client hopes to use his time in prison to tackle his drug addiction.

Mr Mitchard stressed Saiam did not take the screwdriver to the scene to use as a weapon, but in order to remove security tags.

Judge Eleri Rees jailed Saiam for 42 months.