A HOODED robber who threatened shop staff with a broken bottle was jailed for four years today (Thursday, January 29) after a judge heard of his crazed fortnight-long crime spree.

Dominic Stewart also brawled with a supermarket security guard who was stabbed with a needle as he tried to stop the 32-year-old shoplifting.

The brave guard - awaiting blood test results to see if he is infected - told how the struggle was the worst violence he has encountered in 20 years.

In a victim impact statement, he said he has been on tranquillisers to help him sleep and fears he will never get over the December 10 ordeal.

Ten days later, Stewart struck with the bottle at the Beechwood Convenience Store, Middlesbrough - from where he was banned - and escaped with cash.

A worker recognised him - despite having his hoodie pulled tight and a scarf over his face - when he said: "You're getting robbed, give me all your money."

Teesside Crown Court heard how Stewart - given lengthy sentences for robbery and burglary in the past - also committed a string of shoplifting offences.

Most of the crimes involved the theft of toiletries and chocolate which the court was told are easily sold on the streets to raise money to buy drugs.

On one occasion, Stewart snatched a £980 chain and boxing glove pendant after asking an assistant at a pawnbrokers in the town centre to show him it.

Garry a wood, mitigating, said his client had stayed out of trouble since his release from his last prison sentence - imposed in 2011 for burglary.

Stewart got a job as a landscaping labourer and started a family with his girlfriend - but relapsed when a DNA test showed the baby was not his.

Mr Wood said: "His employment was terminated and that seems to have had a far more detrimental impact on him. When he was waiting for work, he was led into temptation.

"He started using drugs, and drugs have played a huge role in the commission of these offences. He had made genuine attempts to stay out of trouble."

Stewart, of Essex Street, Middlesbrough, admitted robbery, eight thefts and assault with intent to resist arrest, all between November 6 and December 20.

The security guard said in his statement: "I no longer feel safe at work and have considered leaving because I have never experienced that level of violence I was confronted with that day in 20 years.

"Words do not sum up the level of stress this has caused me. I will never get over it."