A MAN who stole a sheepskin rug from a Southampton department store and threatened a staff member with a needle has been jailed.

Justin Nicholas Bale, 32, stole the rug, worth £175, from John Lewis at Westquay in Southampton on December 10.

He also threatened an employee with a needle in the same incident.

Appearing at Southampton Magistrates' Court, Bale, care of Forster Road, Shirley, pleaded guilty to theft and using threatening or abusive words or behaviour.

He was jailed for 18 weeks, due to his use of the needle and his previous record of offending.

Bale was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £122.