A MAN who threatened to stab supermarket staff with a syringe after he was caught trying to steal items has been jailed.

Keith Whitfield, 48, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to robbery and possession of a bladed article and was sentenced at Oxford Crown Court on Thursday.

On September 8 Whitfield was at the Co Op store on Littlemore Road, Oxford, when he was challenged by staff after trying to steal items.

He threatened to stab one of the staff members with a hypodermic syringe and also assaulted another.

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Detective Constable Archie Coyne of St Aldates police station said: “The victims were subject to a sustained and nasty assault from Whitfield that evening.

“They were threatened with a hypodermic syringe and one victim was physically assaulted. Thankfully they didn’t sustain any injuries.

“As a result of a timely and thorough investigation Whitfield pleaded guilty to both offences at Oxford Crown Court.

“I hope that this provides some reassurance for the victims and sends a clear message that such nasty and threatening behaviour is unacceptable.

"Thames Valley Police works tirelessly to bring offenders to justice.”

Whitfield was jailed for a total of four years for the offences.