A shoplifter brandished a saw and threatened to kill a B&Q staff member after being caught stealing two torches at the Leven store.
Paul Davidson, 38, also threw a plastic tub containing bird feed at a worker in a nearby B&M store, causing her thumb to bleed, after he was seen stealing food and cosmetic items there about a month later.
Davidson appeared at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court by video link from Glenochil prison to admit two charges of theft from the shops in Riverside retail park.
He also admitted assaulting the B&M worker and behaving in a threatening or abusive manner towards the B&Q employee.
Threats made at Leven B&Q
Procurator fiscal depute Alistair McDermid told the court Davidson, known to the B&Q staff as a regular shoplifter, was seen concealing items in his clothing before setting off alarms at the door as he tried to leave on April 12 last year.
An employee stopped him and asked him to empty his clothing, which revealed two stolen torches.
As they waited for police, Davidson moved towards the front door and the staff member initially took hold of him but then let go.
The court heard Davidson removed a saw from its packaging and brandished it before telling the shop worker “I will kill you” if he assaulted him.
Jail for Leven shoplifter
The following month, on May 15, Davidson was seen in B&M shoplifting items, which were quickly seized and returned.
Mr McDermid said Davidson then “threw fat balls” – used as bird feed – at a staff member which caused her thumb to bleed.
Defence lawyer Stephanie Clinkscale said her client’s offending was a result of him relapsing into drug misuse.
The solicitor said he is already serving a prison sentence for knife possession.
Sheriff James Williamson jailed Davidson for two years.
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