Shoplifter produced a pen-knife after being pursued by a security guard at a Dundalk supermarket

A shoplifter who was pursued by a security guard from a local supermarket, produced a pen-knife and made stabbing motions when he was confronted on the grounds of a nearby church, Dundalk district court heard last week.

Court presenter Sgt. Laura Blanch told the court Craig Keenan (20) with an address at Belfry Avenue, St. Alphonsus Road, Dundalk had run through Dunnes, Muirhevnamor, Dundalk on June 26th last, after stealing two large bottles of brandy and vodka.

He was pursued by a member of security onto Hoey’s Lane and when challenged on the grounds of the Holy Family Church he lunged at the security guard and attempted to hit him with one of the bottles.

He then produced a pen-knife and lunged again, making a stabbing motion two or three times and the security guard picked up a stone to defend himself.

Sgt. Blanch said he was in fear for his safety and believed he was going to be stabbed.

Craig Keenan had 28 previous convictions.

The Defence barrister said his client never took up bail on the charge and had already served a number of months in custody.

Judge Eirinn McKiernan imposed a four month sentence backdated to December 16th last.