Man, who reportedly slashed Gateshead C-storekeeper’s leg, walks free

A man, who reportedly slashed a shopkeeper’s leg during a shoplifting scuffle, has walked free. 

According to local reports, James Hall was caught shoplifting items in a Gateshead convenience store and when attempts were made to prevent him from fleeing, he lashed out with a knife, causing a large gash to the victim’s knee which needed stitches. 

The incident happened on July 4 around 6:15 pm. A court heard that Hall’s suspicious behaviour had caught the attention of the shopkeeper. He began monitoring him on CCTV and approached him when he went in a camera-blind zone 

The shopkeeper then followed Hall outside and confronted him over stolen items. 

“The complainant grabbed his coat to stop him running away and saw he had items from the store on his person,” the local court heard. 

“Those items fell to the floor and he noticed a knife in his pocket and a bag with needles in it. The defendant grabbed the knife and started waving it towards the complainant. 

“When he looked down, he saw he had blood on his knee and realised the defendant had slashed his leg, causing a large gash on his knee.”  

Hall, who has 124 previous convictions, pleaded guilty to wounding and possessing a knife. Recorder Mark Giuliani sentenced him to two years suspended for two years with a three-month curfew between 8pm and 6am, reports stated. 

The judge said he had read an “impressive and genuine letter” from Hall in which he expressed “genuine remorse”. The defendant said Hall was introduced to heroin at the age of 15 but now has stable accommodation.