Chisel-wielding Leeds Asda thief attacked staff who tried to stop him
A known thief who lunged at staff after they tried to stop him stealing rump steaks and confectionery from Asda.
Bradley Reynolds then pulled a chisel from his trousers and used it to smash two windows of the shop in retaliation.
The 32-year-old was jailed at Leeds Crown Court this week after admitting a string of offences.
The court heard that on November 23 last year, a Kia car had been left mistakenly unlocked at a car garage, and bank cards were stolen from inside.
The owner of the car became aware that somebody was using his cards to buy goods at a BP garage in Leeds, spending £117.
CCTV from the garage later confirmed it was Reynolds using the stolen card.
Reynolds later entered the Asda store on Harehills Lane where he tried to take the steak and sweets worth £62.
When staff tried to intervene, he shoved one and punched another, before pulling the chisel from his trouser leg.
He was arrested on December 9 and gave a no-comment interview.
Appearing in court over a video link from HMP Leeds, where he was being held on remand, he kept shouting to the court that he had found the chisel.
Reynolds, of Ash Tree Walk, Stanks, admitted criminal damage, assault by beating, theft from shop, fraud by false representation, common assault and possessing an offensive weapon in public.
He has 18 previous convictions for 40 offences, including 22 for theft. He was in breach of a 12-month suspended sentence order imposed in November of last year, days before he used the stolen bank cards.
Mitigating, Sean Smith said Reynolds has a “significant drink and drugs problem” caused by the break-up of his marriage, loss of accommodation and his job.
He said it had been a “significant downward spiral”.
He said that he had been unable to claim benefits and find a home. Mr Smith added: “It’s desperation offending from someone who was released from prison without any money or accommodation.
“He was using the only way he knows how to survive.”
Judge Tahir Khan KC told Reynolds said that he “had no option” but to activate 10 months of his suspended sentence. He gave him a another three months for his latest offences, making a total of 13 months.