Shoplifter with axe threatened to kill people

Mohammed Fatah, 26, was sentenced for threatening people and possessing a weapon

A convicted shoplifter has been jailed after an axe was discovered in his bag.

Mohammed Fatah, 26, entered the probation office in Bridge Street, Peterborough, on 25 March and threatened to kill people if the staff did not provide him with housing, Cambridgeshire Police said.

Later that day, he was in an alleyway between the cathedral grounds and Midgate when he started shouting at a member of the public who was passing through.

Fatah, of no fixed address, has been jailed for 26 weeks for possession of an offensive weapon in a public place, intent to cause distress by using threatening words or behaviour, and theft.

The force said that while being interviewed, Fatah was further arrested for theft after he told officers he had entered Las Iguanas in Church Street and stole a bottle of whiskey.

He appeared for sentencing at Cambridge Magistrates’ Court on 26 March.

PC Toby Talbot, who investigated, said: "Fatah was visibly frustrated with his situation, and decided to take it out on those trying to help him as well as members of the public who just happened to be passing by.

"Fortunately we were able to arrest Fatah and put him before the courts before he could potentially cause harm to anyone."