Jail for knife-wielding shoplifter chased down by off-duty officer
A knife-carrying shoplifter who was chased down by an off-duty police officer has been jailed.
Police Constable Rishi Thobhani was walking along High Street, Arnold, when he spotted shop staff chasing after prolific thief Michael Delaney.
Delaney, aged 35, who was known for intimidating staff and using threats of violence, had just stolen a number of items from the nearby Poundland store.
PC Thobhani identified himself as a police officer and instructed him to stop. When Delaney refused, a foot chase ensued.
Delaney then produced a large knife and threatened to stab the officer if he continued to follow him.
The incident took place in the middle of the day with members of the public present.
As PC Thobani attempted to detain him, Delaney threatened to stab the officer, with the tip of the blade only a few centimetres from his face.
Luckily, he managed to pull the knife away and ensure Delaney was detained before further officers arrived on the scene to take him into custody.
It was discovered he had stolen washing products, socks and jogging bottoms from the store.
Delaney, of Beckhampton Road, Nottingham, was jailed for 18 months when he appeared at Nottingham Crown Court on Thursday (24 October).
He had previously pleaded guilty to possession of a knife in a public place, threats with a knife in a public place and theft from a shop.
He was also sentenced for 10 further shop thefts from a store in Beckhampton Road in May 2024.
PC Thobhani said: “I’m pleased Delaney has been put behind bars and hope this sends a message to people who carry knives on our streets.
“Delaney is a persistent nuisance for shop staff in the neighbourhood and this custodial sentence gives them some respite from his offending.
“As I said at the time, my role at that moment was to make sure no harm came to anyone. I joined the police to protect people and didn’t think twice about what harm I would come to.
“I trusted my instincts and skills to apprehend Delaney.
“Had I arrived a few moments later or did not see the chase, I believe Delaney could have harmed one of the Poundland staff chasing him.”
