A knife-wielding shoplifter stole £60 worth of bedding from British Home Stores in Watford, so he could sell it to buy alcohol.

But David Mallord was spotted acting suspiciously by security guard Kenny Ojo, who confronted him as he left the store with the duvets hidden in a bag on December 2.

Mallord, 41, produced a yellow handled knife and Mr Ojo thought he was going to be stabbed, St Albans Crown Court heard on Wednesday.

Prosecutor Jonathan Dunne said Mallord left the scene and got into a taxi. But the vehicle’s number plate was taken and it was stopped by the police, who arrested him.

A yellow-handled kitchen knife with a three inch blade was found in the footwell.

When questioned, Mallord told the officers he had gone into British Home Stores to steal something to buy alcohol.

Mallord, of Derby Road, Watford, pleaded guilty to theft, having an offensive weapon and using threatening or abusive words or behaviour.

In his statement, Mr Ojo reported Mallord as saying “I will stab you” but Mallord, in his basis of plea to the court, denied waving the knife or making threats.

Judge Stephen Warner adjourned sentence for a hearing in which Mr Ojo and another witness – Andrew Clarke – will give evidence.

Mallord was bailed with the condition that he does not enter The Harlequin centre in Watford.

He will be sentenced following that hearing.