A DRUG addict who was caught stealing booze from a supermarket told a security guard ‘if you try and stop me, I’ll stab you.’

Jason Craig Martin, of no fixed address, was arrested by police after staff in Blackburn Tesco noticed he was behaving in a peculiar manner while in the store on September 20.

The 31-year-old, who has a drink and drug problem, was seen wondering the aisles with a trolley before entering the changing room in the clothing section.

Prosecuting, Paul Cummings said: “He came out of the fitting room and made his way to the front of the shop. There was nothing in the trolley at the time. He pushed the trolley forward out of the way and then tried to leave the shop. It was then he was asked to stop.

“He turned towards the security man and shouted ‘if you stop me, I’ll stab you’.”

The court heard that Martin did have a kitchen knife in his possession, but did not brandish it at any point during the exchange.

Mr Cummings added: “He did put his hand in his pocket and attempted to punch the security guard, but he didn’t connect. He was then pushed to the floor and apprehended.”

Martin was taken to the back of the supermarket to wait for the arrival of police and asked to empty his pockets and a bag he had. A bottle of Jack Daniels whiskey with tin foil over the security tag and a kitchen knife were found on his person.

The court heard Martin has a lengthily criminal record consisting of more than 45 offences of burglary, shoplifting, drug dealing and criminal damage.

He has spent his life in and out of prison.

Defending, Anthony Parkinson said: “My client has made the admission that he committed the offence because he has nowhere to live and he wanted to go back to prison.

“He hopes imprisonment may help him with sorting his life out.”

Recorder Simon Earlam said: “You are a mature man with a significant drink and drug problem.

“During 2018 you were released from prison and almost immediately reoffended.”

Martin pleaded guilty to one count of theft, one count of causing harassment, alarm or distress and one count of possession of a blade.

He was sentenced at Preston Crown Court to a total of six months imprisonment and ordered to pay a £115 victim surcharge.