Man jailed for threatening staff with a knife

Pawel Swiatek, a 38 year old man with no fixed abode, has been sentenced to 12 months in prison for an incident at West Quay Shopping Centre in Southampton. The incident, which occurred on 23 February, involved the theft of a pair of jeans from the Zara store and subsequent threats made with a knife.

Swiatek’s actions came to light during a trial held at Southampton Crown Court on Wednesday, 20 September, where he faced charges related to theft, possession of a bladed article in a public place, and using threatening/abusive/insulting words/behaviour with the intent to cause fear or provoke unlawful violence.

According to reports presented in court, Swiatek initially caught the attention of security staff after being suspected of stealing a pair of jeans from Zara. The jeans were swiftly returned to the store, and Swiatek was escorted out of the shopping centre by staff.

However, approximately an hour later, at around 6pm, Swiatek returned to the premises, escalating the situation. He proceeded to threaten two members of the security staff with a knife, prompting immediate police intervention. Officers arrived on the scene, swiftly arrested Swiatek, and confiscated the knife from his trouser pocket.

Swiatek pleaded guilty to the charges brought against him during a hearing at Southampton Magistrates’ Court in July, which led to his subsequent sentencing.

Police Staff Investigator Katie Stafford, who led the investigation, said: “Swiatek’s behaviour towards staff who were just trying to do their jobs was completely irrational and unacceptable, and would have been incredibly frightening to those involved.

“I hope that this sentence demonstrates to businesses and staff across Southampton how seriously we take shoplifting and associated criminality, including the harassment and abuse of shop workers and security staff, who should not have to come to work and face this type of behaviour.

“We know that this type of offending also has an impact on shoppers and local residents who visit these stores and hope that this result sends out a clear message to anyone committing this type of criminality – we will do everything we can to put you in front of a court.

“We will continue to work hard to make Southampton a more pleasant place for residents, visitors and businesses.

“Please continue to report instances of shoplifting and associated crime to us, as they help us build a stronger case against prolific offenders.”

As this case concludes, the hope is that the sentence handed down to Pawel Swiatek will serve as a deterrent against similar acts and contribute to the safety and security of shopping centres and communities in Southampton.

SOnews.uk