A shoplifter who threatened to stab two security guards has been jailed days after being arrested.

John Devall went to Superdrug on Week Street in Maidstone on September 18 and left the store without paying for a bulk of electric toothbrushes – police identified him as the culprit on CCTV.

He returned to the county town's high street four days later when he entered Boots the Chemist in King Street.

He removed electronic tags from two boxes containing a shaver and charging unit, before attempting to leave the store without paying – this time being stopped by two security guards.

Devall then became abusive to the guards and threatened to stab them after the stolen items were taken from his possession.

The 38-year-old was arrested the following day when located by officers in the town.

He was later charged with two counts of theft and two counts of threatening behaviour with intent to cause a person to fear violence would be used. He was then remanded in custody.

Devall, of London Road, Maidstone, pleaded guilty at Medway Magistrates’ Court on Saturday and was sentenced to 208 days in prison.

The jail term included the activation of a suspended sentence for handling stolen property and a hate aggravated public order offence.

Devall will also have to pay compensation to the victims along with court costs.

District commander for Maidstone, chief inspector Mark McLennan said: "Devall is a prolific criminal who has been targeting shops in our town centre.

"While the security guards he threatened did not see a knife, his actions towards them were abhorrent and he was swiftly detained.

"Devall is now serving a prison sentence within days of his arrest."