A MAN who stabbed a shop worker with a syringe in Blackburn after shoplifting has been sent to prison.

Mark Phoenix, 24, was chased and restrained by Mark Pilkington, of Outdoor Action, King Street, but stabbed him in the forearm and index finger as he tried to escape.

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Preston Crown Court heard that Phoenix shouted out, ‘I have hep, I have hep’, at the time, referring to the blood-borne disease, hepatitis.

Just 15 days later he went on to attack a second shop worker, punching him three times after he was chased.

The court was told Phoenix was spotted leaving the Blackburn shop with three green jackets on September 10.

Mr Pilkington ran after him along King Street, towards Duckworth Street.

The court heard Mr Pilkington attempted to restrain Phoenix, who took a syringe from his pocket and stabbed Mr Pilkington.

Joe Allman, prosecuting, said Mr Pilkington had to be treated at Royal Blackburn Hospital and was anxious for several days while tests for diseases were taken.

He said: “Mr Pilkington was given emergency treatment in case he had contracted the disease (hepatitis) which caused him serious nausea for a long period of time.

“He was also made to worry while he waited for his results.”

The court was told Mr Pilkington did not contract hepatitis from the attack.

Phoenix had 70 previous offences from 34 separate occasions, which included theft, assault, criminal damage, handling of stolen goods, shoplifting and aggravated vehicle taking, Mr Allman added.

The court heard Phoenix, of Saddleback Road, Wigan, was involved in another incident on September 25, when he stole two bottles of vodka from a shop in the town.

Phoenix punched a shop worker three times after he had chased him.

Steven Swift, defending, said Phoenix, who was sentenced to 40 months in jail, had previously suffered from mental health issues as well as ADHD.

Mr Swift said: “He has also suffered from a long term drug use and had a chaotic lifestyle in his younger years.

“He has been in and out of prison and has been made homeless several times during his life.

“He has said he needs to act now to change his ways and will openly cooperate with any help he receives during his sentence.”

Phoenix, who pleaded guilty to two counts of theft and assault causing actual bodily harm and wounding to inflict grievous bodily harm, was not present in court but appeared via a custody video link.

Judge Graham Knowles said: “Your actions led to an uncomfortable period of time for Mr Pilkington who was put through a long period of anxiety while he awaited his test results.

“I’m pleased to hear he did not suffer any long term illnesses from the attack.

“This incident was of the most dangerous behaviour.”