Knife-wielding OAP jailed after threatening staff in store theft

A knife-wielding pensioner from Sunderland who threatened staff during a shoplifting expedition has been sent to prison.

Thomas Mason, 67, brandished a six-inch blade he had pinched – along with other items – from Morrisons store inPenrith,Cumbria,onMay27.

Carlisle Crown Court heard Mason was a prolific criminal with 266 convictions on a rap sheet which dated back to the 1960s.

He admitted possession of a bladed article, theft and threatening behaviour.

Mason was said to have been confronted by a Morrisons store detective and manager having stolen alcohol, a deep fat fryer and light bulbs.

ProsecutorFrancisMcEntee told the court that Mason was initially calm before becoming agitated when police were mentioned.

“He pulled a knife from his right-hand side and pointed it at the two employees. He shouted that they should stop following,” said Mr McEntee.

The incident was said to have left the store detective feeling “threatened and shocked”.

Mason, of Hylton Road, Sunderland, was described as having mental health issues and depression. He had also been “troubled” by events in his past.

Kim Whittlestone, defending, said Mason had been living “almost literally a vagrant lifestyle”.

Judge Peter Davies sent Mason to prison for 16 months, saying: “You have an appalling record. You should have left your previous convictions long behind you. You must go to custody. Store detectives are entitled not to be threatened.Theyarecertainly entitled not to be threatened by people carrying knives.”