A persistent shoplifter who threatened a man with a knife when he tried to stop him stealing has been jailed for nine months.

But Christopher Simpkins, who has more than 100 previous convictions for theft, will not start serving it until he has finished his current jail term next month.

The 39-year-old was again out stealing on Wednesday October 31 last year when staff at Farmfoods Store, on Cheney Manor Road, were suspicious of his behaviour.

Colin Meeke, prosecuting, told Swindon Crown Court that workers became aware he was stealing meat and, along with a customer, followed him out at about 4pm.

They tried to detain him as he went to his bicycle to ride off but the staff and customer grabbed hold of it.

"As he got off he turned to his pursuers and pulled out a knife with a blade like a Stanley knife; about two inches long," Mr Meeke said.

He was repeatedly shouting 'I'll stab you,' as the other customer grabbed the bike and used it as a shield to protect himself from the weapon.

During the melee a leg of lamb, which had been taken by the defendant, fell to the ground.

Mr Meeke said that as well as threatening to stab people about 12 times he also made slashing moves with the blade.

He was eventually arrested after being recognised from CCTV footage but refused to be questioned by police.

Simpkins, of no fixed abode, admitted theft and threatening another with an article with a blade or point.

The court heard that he is currently serving a nine month jail term imposed by justices in December for shoplifting.

On that occasion he admitted five thefts and the magistrates were told he had 98 previous convictions for similar matters.

Richard Williams, defending, said his earliest release date was Friday April 20 but he realised that would now be put back by his offending.

Simpkins offended to fund his addiction to class A drugs, he said, having first become involved in them when he was just 14 years old.

Mr Williams said his health had suffered from his use of heroin and notwithstanding previous efforts he is still keen to beat his habit.

He said he was realistic about sentence as threatening with a knife carries a mandatory minimum of a six month jail term.

Passing sentence Recorder Ed Burgess QC said "You have an appalling criminal record, you know that.

"You have been in the dock of this court and the magistrates court countless times before.

"All that seems to be rooted in your very long addiction to class A drugs which you seek to fund by theft time and time and time again."