Man gives two thumbs up to judge as he’s jailed over what happened at Tesco

Shane Smethurst threatened to stab a member of staff after he was confronted over his shoplifting

A thief gave two thumbs up to a judge as he was jailed for threatening to stab a member of staff at Tesco. Shane Smethurst left the employee “frightened and upset”, having issued the ominous warning after being confronted over his shoplifting exploits.

Liverpool Crown Court heard yesterday afternoon, Wednesday, that the 37-year-old entered the Tesco Express store in Haydock shortly before 10pm on March 11 this year alongside another male. The defendant, of Charles Street in St Helens, was seen on CCTV taking items from the shelves and placing them into an Aldi carrier bag.

Olivia Randell, prosecuting, described how shop assistant Stephen Mousdell challenged Smethurst as a result and took the bag from him. Having been told to leave the store, the shoplifter then replied: “Give me the stuff back, that is mine. I’ll f***ing stab you. I’ll wait for you outside at 11.”

Mr Mousdell was said to have been left “frightened and upset what could happen” as a result of these threats. Smethurst however remained in the store, stating that he “needed his mate”.

When Mr Mousdell then dropped the plastic bag in order to approach the second man, the thief “used the opportunity” to take hold of the goods once more before leaving without making any attempt to pay. He has a total of 33 previous convictions for 68 offences, including 10 thefts from shops during 2024.

Smethurst was also handed an eight-week suspended prison sentence for such matters in July 2025. This term was later activated in December last year following further shoplifting, resulting in a total of 12 weeks behind bars.

Harvey Appleby, defending, told the court: “He has already spent four weeks in custody on these offences, which amounts to an eight to 10-week sentence. He does have an extensive record and a history of drug use and homelessness.

“He tells me that his time in custody been helpful, particularly with his drug issues. He tells me that, upon his release, he has been offered accommodation temporarily, as well as having a family network who can support him. I would ask your honour to impose an immediate custodial sentence, but one allowing him either to be released today or to spend a short period in custody, move forwards and start making positive changes to his life.”

Smethurst admitted assault, theft and failing to surrender to court bail, having skipped an earlier plea hearing before being arrested on a warrant two weeks later. Appearing via video link to HMP Liverpool wearing a grey tracksuit top, he was jailed for a total of nine weeks.

This means that he is likely to be released in the near future, with Smethurst seen to put two thumbs up to the camera and say “thank you” as the hearing was concluded.

Sentencing, Recorder Fiona Clancy said: “Your explanation for the offending is that you were homeless and in the cycle of drug addiction and coming in and out of prison. You are a prolific theft offender and assessed as a high risk to the public.”