A VIOLENT robber threatened to stab shop workers with dirty needles and a kitchen knife when he stole food, alcohol and washing detergent.

Sam Hills, 32, told staff they would be stabbed during robberies at several different convenience stores across Eastleigh, a court heard.

He stole a box of cheese, washing detergent, alcohol, coffee and meat in a crime spree spanning more than a month.

Prosecuting, Martyn Booth told Southampton Crown Court that in one robbery at Tesco in Leigh Road, West End, he was armed with a kitchen knife.

After picking up items worth £50.40, he was challenged by a shop worker.

READ MORE: Police search for masked men after Southampton One Stop robbery

He then told the woman: “Let me take them or I will stab you”.

Mr Booth she “genuinely believed that he would use the knife against her” and let him leave.

Hills was arrested after running from police and attempting to throw away the knife.

He also threatened onlookers with “dirty needles,” saying he had them and would strike them if they came closer.

The robberies took place in January and February this year at locations including Iceland on High Street, Eastleigh and Poundland in Eastleigh.

Hills, of no fixed address, admitted five charges of robbery and one of threatening someone with a knife.

Mitigating, Jamie Gammon said at his sentencing on Tuesday that his client needs help when he is released.

READ MORE: Southampton: Tesco, Co-op and Laly's hit in robbery spate

He said: “This kind of offending and the nature of the threat is bound to have an impact.

“He is aware having had a long history of custodial sentences that at the end of them he immediately gets pitched back onto the street.

“Hopefully Mr Hills will get the help that he really does need when he is released. He has been as open as he possibly can be about how he feels and what he needs.”

He added that Hills has been taking substances during this period that have “caused him significant problems”.

But judge, Christopher Parker KC said Hills, who has 42 convictions for 72 offences, “poses a significant risk of serious harm”.

“The threat by itself is very frightening to anybody who is not experienced that before. [These are] people who are going about their work - not very well paid.

"They shouldn’t be exposed to that. Plainly they suffered some harm in the form of stress.

“What is both depressing and chilling is to read the pre-sentence report. When you say that effectively you don’t really care and it is everyone for themselves.”

He jailed Hill for five years and four months, with an extended licence period of four years.