A Mottingham thief who threatened to stab a security guard with a syringe has been jailed.

Ricky Saunders, 31, of Cranley Parade, was caught on CCTV stealing various items including liquid detergent, from shops in south-east London.

In January he stole £40 worth of meat and four cans of beer from the BP Garage in Trafalgar Road, Greenwich.

In the same month he threatened to stab a security guard with a syringe after attempting to steal eight bottles of liquid detergent from the Co-op in Kimmeridge Road, Mottingham.

On March 5, Saunders stole two bottles of detergent from Nisa in Mottingham Road and also stole two bags, two mobile phones, bank cards and £300 after gaining access to the staff room.

Police arrested Saunders on April 8.

He pleaded guilty to burglary, theft and common assault.

He was sentenced at Bromley Magistrates' Court on April 9 to 12 months in prison after appearing via virtual court.

Detective Constable Andrew Payne, of Greenwich police’s burglary squad, said: "Saunders' thieving habits have led him to a 12-month sentence.

"I hope he will take some time to reflect on what he did and perhaps re-think his way of life."