A man who tried to attack a shop security officer with a syringe during a shoplifting incident has received a prison sentence.
On the evening of 27 September, around 8:45pm, 51-year-old Damon Loates entered a Sainsbury’s store located on Oxney Road in Peterborough. While inside, he filled a duffle bag with numerous packets of expensive razor blades.
Store surveillance cameras captured his actions, and when Loates triggered the security alarm while exiting, a security officer confronted him about the theft.
In response to being challenged, Loates made threats toward the officer and lunged at his hand with a syringe in an attempt to stab him.
After being subdued, authorities found that Loates’ bag contained stolen goods including razor products and alcoholic beverages totaling over £300 in value.
Officers were called to the scene and took Loates into custody.
The defendant, whose address is listed as Gorefield Road in Leverington, pleaded guilty to shoplifting and assault charges.
At Peterborough Magistrates’ Court on 29 September, Loates was sentenced to six months and 12 weeks imprisonment. The sentence includes the triggering of a previously suspended sentence.
PC Jack Sherrington commented on the case, noting that Loates has a history of repeat offenses and failed to change his behavior despite receiving a suspended sentence earlier in the year.
“This was a distressing experience for the security guard as Loates attempted to stab him with the syringe.” Sherrington stated. “I’d like to commend him for his bravery and determination not to let Loates get away.”
Source: Cambridgeshire Constabulary