A SHOPLIFTER fleeing from a Droitwich Spa store threatened to infect staff with his blood as they tried to arrest him, Worcester Crown Court was told.

Steven Davis waved a bloodied palm at Safeway assistant manager James Ford and said: "I've got Aids. I will put it in your face."

Davis made good his escape after his girlfriend suddenly appeared with a syringe and pointed it at Mr Ford, said Mr Adam Western, prosecuting.

Davis, aged 29, of Hunters Green, Westlands, Droitwich, was jailed for 18 months after pleading guilty to theft, handling stolen goods, harassment, resisting arrest, using threatening words and behaviour and assault causing actual bodily harm.

After hearing his record of 74 previous convictions, Judge Andrew Geddes told him: "You have been a pest to society and society has had enough of you."

Davis was cut by jars of coffee he put up his jumper after stealing from Safeway, said Mr Western.

His girlfriend had been given a community rehabilitation order by magistrates for her part in the incident.

Mr Western said Davis committed further offences on bail, including thefts from Sainsburys and Asda.

When he was spotted acting suspiciously at Worcester Co-op, he head-butted store detective Bernard Cornthwaite.

He was, again, bailed and resisted arrest when stopped by police in Church Stretton after another store theft.

Miss Julie Sparrow, defending, said Davis's behaviour was typical of a heroin addict and he had only a limited recollection of his actions.

He and his girlfriend had been trying to kick their habit.