A shoplifting pensioner who threatened supermarket staff with a knife has been jailed.
Thomas Mason, 67, was confronted by a store detective and manager outside Penrith's Morrisons store in May.
He had stolen alcohol, a deep fat fryer and light bulbs, along with the knife.
But, as Mason tried to make off from the premises, he twice brandished the six-inch blade at his pursuers.
Mason was sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court today, having admitted charges of theft, possessing a bladed article and threatening behaviour.
Judge Peter Davies noted Mason's appalling criminal record - featuring 266 offences - and jailed him for 16 months.
"Store detectives are entitled not to be threatened," the judge told Mason, of Hylton Road, Sunderland.
"They are certainly entitled not to be threatened by people carrying knives."
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