A SHOPLIFTER produced a hypodermic syringe when challenged by a security guard outside the premises, Southampton Crown Court heard.

The drama happened in the car park of Tesco in Wimpson Lane.

Prosecutor Simon Edwards said that Thomas Amos was pursued by the guard, Simon Mulliner, who told him to stop. Amos then pulled out the needle and brandished it, threatening to stab bystanders.

Mr Mulliner shouted ‘Leave him, don’t touch him, he’s got a dirty needle’.

Amos was later arrested.

Judge Nicholas Rowland heard that only two days before the incident, Amos – who had previous convictions for burglary and theft – had been given a community sentence by magistrates.

Amos, 38, of Shelley Road, Totton, admitted threatening a person with an article that had a blade or point. He was jailed for six months.

In mitigation, Charles Cochand said that Amos had panicked after the needle had fallen from a pocket and grabbed it.