A man with 26 previous criminal convictions who brandished a knife at a staff member in the Smyth Toy Store in Londonderry last December, has been given an 18 months jail sentence, suspended for three years.

Ashley Charles Gillen (22) of Cornshell Fields committed the offence while under the influence of alcohol last December 1, one month after he had been convicted of possessing an imitation firearm.

Judge Patrick Lynch QC was told by a prosecution barrister at the city’s Crown Court yesterday that Gillen produced the knife when he was challenged by a member of staff in the store.

“No fear was induced in the staff member. He is a fairly robust man who just passed it off as one of those things that happens in life. He chased the defendant from the store and the defendant was later arrested.”

Defence barrister Ciaran Mallon, instructed by Paddy McGurk solicitor, said Gillen had been released from prison last June after he had served a seven months jail sentence.

Passing sentence, Judge Lynch said: “You threatened this man who was able to shrug it off. You are a big man going around threatening people with a knife. How would you like it if it was your mother or father being threatened by someone like you carrying a knife?

“You are getting a final chance and by that I mean you will certainly get no more chances and if you come before me again for any offence of which you are convicted, the starting point with be 18 months in jail,” he said.