Eight months for Jarrow shoplifter who had knuckleduster

Reece Lewis triggered the security alarms when he tried to run off from Morrisons in Jarrow with a £16 bottle of spirit on January 7.

After staff gave chase and contacted the police, the 21-year-old, who was already on a suspended sentence, was arrested and searched.

Prosecutor Jolyon Perks told Newcastle Crown Court: "When he was searched, being searched, a gold coloured knuckle duster was found in his jacket pocket."

Lewis, of Humbert Street, Jarrow, admitted theft and possession of an offensive weapon.

Judge Stephen Earl said Lewis had been given "serious warnings" about abiding by the terms of a previous suspended sentence, which were ignored.

Lewis was sentenced to a total of eight months behind bars.