A DAD who stole from Farmfoods on two occasions and threatened to stab staff has been jailed.

James Telfer, of Northway in Longford, was caught stealing meat from the School Brow store on two separate occasions.

On Monday, Liverpool Crown Court heard that the defendant had only been released from prison on 4 February this year, just two months before the offences.

He had previously been jailed for 20 months after two incidents of theft at the same store, possession of a knife and claw hammer and under license was not allowed to enter Farmfoods.

Today, Monday, Telfer was given another 54-month sentence.

Christopher Hopkins, prosecuting, told the court how on April 13, Farmfoods’ store manager was alerted to Telfer who was ‘fast and determined’ as he was taking various products out of the meat freezer.

Telfer, who had his hood up and was wearing a face mask, turned round after being confronted and put his hand in his pocket and said ‘I’ll stab you’ to the worker – who backed away as he was ‘fearing for his life.’

The 37-year-old followed him in an aggressive manner with continued threats of stabbing.

He then went back to the freezer and walked out the store with the goods.

On April 21, Telfer returned to Farmfoods and was spotted by a staff member who claimed they saw a man with a dark hood with an arm full of unpaid products leaving the store.

The manager, not knowing it was Telfer, shouted at him to drop the products.

Telfer had the products in his left arm and with his right arm he reached into his jacket pocket and said: ‘‘This time I will stab you.’’

At first, the victim thought it was a knife he had pulled out of his pocket – however then realised it was a twig.

Telfer than threw a punch as the victim which ended in a ‘scuffle.’

He threw two punches at the victim’s head, forcing the victim to throw four blows back to defend himself.

Telfer, who has two children, then called his alleged acquaintances and three men came from round the corner of the carpark.

The defendant punched the store manager again in the cheek before spitting towards him and saying: ‘‘I’ve got aids.’’

£45 in stock was stolen.

Telfer was arrested shortly after the incident and was found in possession of some of the stolen stock after officers tracked him on CCTV.

Defending, Richard Orme told the court that a catalyst in Telfer’s offending was the breakdown of a personal relationship, loss of employment, and substance abuse.

He also stated that the victim was ‘under the influence of alcohol and illicit substances’ when the robberies took place.

Mr Orme said: ‘‘He is remorseful and apologetic to his parents who placed some degree of trust and allow them to stay with them.

‘‘He is deeply ashamed he has let them down.

‘‘I ask you not to crush this defendant’s hope for the future.’’

Recorder Payne told the court how these problems started in 2014 when the defendant was affected by a breakdown of relationship, periods of homelessness and suffered from depression, but said this was ‘no excuse’ for his offences.

He also said the defendant has a problem with his temper, is aggressive and has ‘mixed with the wrong people.’

The judge said: ‘‘Drugs and alcohol have been the ruin of you in recent years.

‘‘What makes it worse is that you were drunk, under the influence of drugs, had your hood up to conceal your identity and have previous convictions at the same store.

‘‘This was a terrifying incident for the staff.’’

The judge recognised Telfer has shown remorse, offered an apology to those affected, and is undertaking detoxification.

Telfer was sentenced to 54 months in prison.