A shoplifter threatened staff with a needle as he stole several bottles of booze.

Bobby Helsby went into Tesco in Cuxton Road, Strood, on Monday, April 8 and left without paying for multiple bottles of alcohol.

As he walked out of the store, he also threatened two employees with a hypodermic needle when they tried to stop him.

Police were also notified of two more bulk thefts at the same store on Sunday, May 26 and Wednesday, June 12.

The total value of the stolen items was £592.

Helsby, of Dart Close, Strood, was identified as the offender, and arrested on Thursday, June 20.

He was later charged with three thefts and threatening a person with a pointed article in a public place.

The 29-year-old appeared before Medway Magistrates’ Court on Friday, June 21 where he admitted all the charges and also breaching court bail conditions.

He was remanded in custody to a hearing at Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court on July 31.