A SHOPLIFTER claimed a lock-knife which dropped from his pocket belonged to shop staff when he was caught stealing DVDs.

James Johnson insisted he had bought the discs when he was apprehended leaving WHSmith in Stockton after the security alarms went off.

Teesside Crown Court heard how the 49-year-old had distracted a worker by asking about books before grabbing the £64 loot.

Johnson has 73 offences – including 49 thefts – on a record going back almost 30 years, Judge Howard Crowson was told.

He was convicted of theft and possessing a bladed article on February 2 after a trial.

Jailing him for six months,Judge Crowson told Johnson: "You have got a quite bad record for offences of dishonesty, and much of it seems to be for targeting shops."

Chris Morrison, mitigating, said Johnson will be able to return to his home in Sun Street, Stockton, after his release because his rent is up-to-date.

In an impact statement, the WHSmith worker said: "I am disgusted and annoyed this man asked for my help and service purely to distract me and steal property. This makes me feel used and think twice about helping people."

The court heard how Johnson was jailed in 2003 for threatening shop staff with a razor blade when he was challenged for taking security tags off items.