A 47-YEAR-OLD man who threatened TK Maxx staff with a knife after stealing perfume from the store has been jailed.

Robert Gillespie of Spring Close stole a bottle of perfume from TK Maxx on Great Western Way but was challenged by a member of staff before he could leave the car park.

Gillespie turned on the shop worker, produced a knife, tried to stab him, failed, and ran off with the stolen bottle.

The uninjured staff member called the police and, after a number of enquiries, Gillespie was arrested and charged.

When he first appeared at Swindon Magistrates Court on September 24, Gillespie pleaded guilty to possession of a knife, common assault, assault by beating and theft from a shop.

On Friday, he was sentenced to two years and six months in prison, then fined £170.

Following the sentencing, PC Paul Bezzant said: "This is a good result and a substantial sentence.

"It sends the message that knife crime on whatever level is not to be tolerated and is punishable.

"If you carry a knife to commit crime you will be caught and go to jail."