A SHOPLIFTER from Rowley Regis threatened to stab a security guard with a hypodermic needle after he caught him pinching packets of chewing gum.

The guard who saw Frankie O'Donnell on CCTV stealing 40 packets of gum in Dudley’s Poundland store later told police his job had become so dangerous he planned to ask his bosses to give him a stab proof vest.

The prolific offender, who had 72 previous convictions was jailed for a year by Wolverhampton Crown Court because of his record, after admitting the theft.

O’Donnell, of Reservoir Road, also admitted using threatening words and behaviour and breaching an ASBO.

Joanne Barker, prosecuting, said the 27-year-old was recognised on CCTV and later spotted in Dudley town centre where he told the guard when approached, "Let me go or I am going to stab you with this needle."

O'Donnell then ran off leaving the guard in fear for his safety but was arrested the next day by police, Miss Barker said it was the sixth time he had breached the ASBO imposed by a Walsall court forbidding him from using any kind of threatening behaviour.

Judge Robin Onions said: “This security guard was simply doing his job. Until you decide you are going to change your ways you are going to receive longer and longer custodial sentences."

Jas Mann, defending, said O'Donnell shoplifted to fund his drugs habit.