A KNIFE carrier was detained by supermarket staff and shoppers who prevented him from attacking a man he pursued into the premises.

Stephen David Keers ran into Aldi in Stanley at about 6.40pm on November 21, carrying a small lock knife.

Durham Crown Court heard he followed someone into the town centre premises but customers and store staff helped to detain him before he was able to get to the man he was chasing.

Keers was arrested a short time later near to the store and the weapon was recovered by police.

The 33-year-old defendant was charged with affray and possessing an article with a blade or point.

Appearing at a plea hearing at the court, via video link from the city’s nearby prison, he denied both charges.

After store cctv footage portraying the incident was shown to the court, Judge James Adkin asked if Keers wanted to reconsider his pleas, after speaking to his lawyer, Vic Laffey.

Keers, of Ash Avenue, Durham, agreed and later appeared again, changing his pleas to guilty.

Judge Adkin imposed a 14-month prison sentence allowing a small discount for Keers’ belated pleas.

Neighbourhood Inspector Dave Stewart thanked the staff members and customers, some unknown, for their “brave” actions confronting Keers and helping to prevent a potential knife attack.