Meow users made knife threat after theft from Swansea shop

TWO meow meow users, including one aged just 15-years-old, threatened a shopkeeper with knives after stealing lager worth £8.

Jonathan Heaven, 23, and 15-year-old Michael Martin both pulled knives at shopkeeper Balwinder Singh after stealing from his shop in Rhondda Street, Mount Pleasant, on September 22.

Martin had already been in the shop once and had seen Mr Singh's wife and son were there, before he returned minutes later and picked up the alcohol.

When Martin, of Milford Way, Swansea, tried to leave, Mr Singh stepped into his path before Martin pointed a four-inch knife at him.

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Heaven then entered the shop, and when standing two feet away he also pulled a large bread or carving knife from his pocket.

Prosecutor John Lloyd told Swansea Crown Court: "Mr Singh feared for his safety and moved away before Martin ran out into the street."

Heaven remained in the shop and, while holding the knife, said to Mr Singh: "Come on if you want it."

Armed police were then called to Heaven's home at Rosehill Terrace, Swansea.

Mr Singh told police he still worries about his safety and was nervous of working in the convenience store.

Martin received a reprimand for assault when he was aged 14 and Heaven has several convictions, the first when he was 13, for offences including shoplifting and burglary.

Stuart John, for Martin, said he had taken meow meow earlier that day and the drug had "caused or at least contributed" to him stealing the alcohol.

John Hipkin, appearing for Heaven, said his client was also a meow meow user and had been discharged from Cefn Coed hospital the day before after suffering depression and psychosis, thought to be linked to his use of the drug.

Both admitted charges of possessing a knife in a public place and robbery.

Judge Huw Davies jailed Heaven for five years and sentenced Martin to an 18-month detention and training order at a Youth Offender's Institute.