A judge has praised a brave store worker who chased and confronted a shoplifter armed with a knife.

David Fortune was relaxing in the canteen at B&Q, on Bradford’s Euroway estate, when he spotted drug addict Stephen Proctor on CCTV making off with a £300 pressure washer.

Mr Fortune ran from the store in pursuit but Proctor, 38, warned: “I’ve got a knife, I’ll stab you,” Bradford Crown Court heard yesterday.

Prosecutor Richard Clews said Mr Fortune continued towards him, believing Proctor was bluffing, but the defendant drew a lock-knife, saying: “Stay away from me.”

He dropped the stolen pressure washer and walked off. He was arrested soon afterwards by police officers who recovered the knife with a 3in blade.

Mr Clews said Mr Fortune was vigilant in spotting what he believed at the time was a criminal ploy to steal stock.

A man was standing close to the front doors, keeping them open, when Proctor ran off with his spoils.

The second man was never arrested because store staff could not definitely connect him with the theft.

Proctor, of Ilbert Avenue, Bierley, Bradford, pleaded guilty to theft and having an offensive weapon on March 16 this year. He was jailed for 12 months. The court heard he had convictions for 81 offences, including shoplifting, wounding and having a bladed article.

Proctor’s barrister, Ken Green, said his client resorted to crime to feed a 20 year addiction to Class A drugs.

He had been on programmes to try to cut down his habit and was recently motivated by helping to care for his ill father.

Judge John Potter praised Mr Fortune for his prompt and brave actions in pursuing and catching up with Proctor. He said Proctor must have gone to the store to steal and that he took the knife with him.

Judge Potter added: “I have no doubt that Mr Fortune would have been extremely frightened.”