A shoplifter known as the meat thief' has walked free from court after stabbing a supermarket worker with a needle.

Adrian Bryan shouted I have Aids' as he brandished the weapon in a struggle with Tesco worker Alan Iles after he was caught stealing chicken.

But a judge at Swindon crown court said he was giving the 31-year-old a last chance' when he imposed a suspended sentence.

Instead of going to jail Bryan will have to do 15 hours a week of drug work and undergo regular testing to ensure he is off drugs.

Sarah Regan, prosecuting, told Swindon crown court how the defendant had been seen in the Tesco Express on Friday September 1.

She said he had been seen to pick up packs of chicken worth £27.90 from the meat shelves and walk away.

He was challenged and said he wanted to put the items back and leave but he was restrained by staff at the door.

In the following scuffle she said Bryan and the worker fell to the pavement and the defendant produced the hypodermic needle.

She said "He said If you don't let me out I'll stab you. I have Aids'. He then injured one of the staff members in the leg.

"He pleaded guilty on the basis that he was reckless; that the injury was caused accidentally."

When he was interviewed by police he was going to pay for the meat and the needle must have fallen from his bag in the scuffle.

Bryan, of Stonesfield Close, Eastleaze, at first pleaded not guilty to charges of theft and actual bodily harm but he changed his plea to guilty on the morning of trial.

The court heard he has 94 previous convictions which include 63 matters for dishonesty and four offences against the person.

Rob Ross, defending, said that his client had spent 100 days in custody on remand awaiting sentence.

He said that he was currently on a suspended sentence for offences committed before the September offences.

Passing sentence Judge Douglas Field said "You have an appalling record and it is all down to your drug problem.

"You're 31 and unless you address that now the rest of your life you are going to be in and out of prison.

"Although I would be completely justified in sending you to prison concerning these matters I have decided you should be given one last chance.

"In the long run society will be better served if you come off drugs. If you don't take this opportunity and continue with your lifestyle you are bound to re offend and this sentence will be brought into effect and into custody you will go."

He imposed a one year jail term suspended for two years with a two year supervision order and six month drug rehabilitation requirement.