A KIDDERMINSTER teenager who had a knife, resisted arrest after stealing a 90p energy bar from Sainsbury’s Local store in Worcester.

Harrison French, of Derwent House, pleaded guilty to obstructing a constable in execution of duty, possessing a knife and theft from the store, in Foregate Street, at Worcester Magistrates Court on Thursday, October 19.

Kriss Ewing, prosecuting, said: “PC Gibson was off duty. He was in Sainsbury’s Local, in Foregate Street, when he heard a commotion.

“Security staff had apprehended someone for shoplifting. PC Gibson took hold of Harrison French and arrested him.”

She added that 18-year-old French had resisted the arrest and “struggled” before another off duty officer came to assist PC Gibson.

Gerry Vahey, defending, said French had resisted Officer Gibson's instruction to lie down facing the floor.

The court heard officers later searched French and discovered a knife.

Mr Vahey said: "He is 18-years-old with no previous convictions. This is a situation that got completely out of hand.

"He has gone into the shop stolen a chocolate bar and turned to leave the shop with it.

"He did not know that the knife had found its way onto his possession. He did not know it was illegal."

He added that French was using the knife for cooking after his flatmates had stolen his kitchen knives, and that he had enough money to pay for the chocolate bar.

The offences took place on Friday, September 22.

A destruction order was made for the knife and French was ordered to pay £120 for possession of the knife, £80 for theft and £40 for resisting arrest.

He was also ordered to pay £185 court costs and £30 victim surcharge.