Homeless man, 23, threatened shop worker with screwdriver

When arrested he had axe in rucksack

- Sentinel Reporter

HOMELESS Laiton Hill threatened a shop worker with a screwdriver after he was challenged for stealing items.

The 23-year-old was followed outside the Nisa store by the worker who saw him steal a basket of goods.

But Hill turned, pulled out a screwdriver from his jacket pocket and shouted, 'Come on then.'

When arrested months later he had an axe in his rucksack which he said he used for chopping wood for fires as he was living rough.

Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court heard he had earlier taken a vehicle without the owner's consent.

Now Hill has been sentenced to seven months in prison, suspended for 18 months.

Prosecutor Chandan Kaur Kang said Hill argued with his partner on February 21 and took a car which her ex had lent her.