A recovering addict threatened to smash in the face of shop workers and produced a needle as he walked away. Mark Faulkner became agitated after stealing three Star Wars figures - worth £30 - from Game in Victoria Centre, Nottingham.
He set off the shop alarms, so staff attempted to delay him, whilst security moved in. But Faulkner, 38, of no fixed address, denied he had taken anything and walked away, Nottingham Crown Court heard.
He headed towards the shopping centre exit and staff walked alongside him. He was abusive, made threats towards members of staff as he got through the door and walked towards the road.