A father-of-four racially abused a supermarket security guard while armed with a knife when questioned about possible stolen items, a court heard.

William Chambers had two of his young children with him when he revealed the weapon to Craig Samuel and threatened: “Do you want some of this then?”

The 29-year-old thug was seen on CCTV shopping at Sainsbury's at Pepper Hill, Gravesend, on April 25 while the children ran around the store on their own.

Prosecutor Thom Dyke told Maidstone Crown Court Mr Samuel recognised Chambers and followed him.

After he passed through the checkout Mr Samuel and two other security guards stopped him and asked about two dolls one of his daughters had.

He became aggressive and then “fiddled” inside his jacket to reveal a knife with a 4in blade.

As he left he made comments about travellers “stabbing him up” and made a gesture rubbing his thumb across the knife.

Police circulated CCTV stills and as a result Chambers, of Gunn Road, Swanscombe, went to the police station.

"Staff in shops must be protected from people who produce knives" - Judge Philip St John-Stevens

He at first denied having a knife but he later admitted racially aggravated common assault and making threats.

Mr Dyke said Chambers had previous convictions for offences involving weapons.

Christopher Surtees-Jones, defending, said Chambers was a family man with four daughters aged 10, eight, five and three.

He had always been in employment and contributed to society in a positive way, he said, despite his unattractive record.

“He has never been to prison,” said Mr Surtees-Jones. “He didn’t go along with a knife intending to use it. He had it for a legitimate purpose.

“He was behaving out of character. He says he has now grown up. This was a one-off aberration.”

Judge Philip St John-Stevens said of the victim: “He was in a state of shock and disbelief that you would pull a knife on him so readily.

“He was simply going about his job and you subjected him to racial abuse and threats.”

Jailing Chambers for 10 months, the judge said it would not be unjust to impose an immediate sentence under new legislation involving knives.

“Staff in shops must be protected from people who produce knives,” he added.