A 20-year-old man has been sentenced following a series of offences in Barry, including robbing a teenage boy and threatening to stab a supermarket worker.

Joshua Smith's crimes in town began when he stole sausage rolls from Tesco Express on 11 December 2020, David Pinnell, prosecuting, said.

Cardiff Crown Court heard that Smith returned to the shop where he was confronted by staff members.

Smith then threatened one that he would stab him, and invited him to come outside, said Mr Pinnell.

The police were called and Smith arrested. Officers found Valium tablets in his rucksack.

The second incident happened on 10 April at the Tesco superstore in Barry when he attempted to steal a hammer and headphones.

Smith was intoxicated and confrontational, Mr Pinnell told the court.

He was arrested once again, and diazepam tablets were found on him.

The third and final offence occurred on 2 May, when Smith robbed a 14-year-old boy of his iPhone after he grabbed it from him. The victim's father and uncle were able to trace Smith and he was arrested. Smith, of Vere Street, Barry, admitted robbery, theft, public disorder and possession of class C drugs. The defendant, who appeared in court via video link from Swansea Prison, has previous convictions for affray and having a knife in public. William Bebb said in mitigation that the defendant was sorry and took responsibility for his actions. The judge, Recorder Gavin Doig, told Smith he was in a position to suspend his custodial sentence because of his youth, immaturity and the positive signs from his pre-sentence report. Judge Doig said there was a prospect of rehabilitation. Smith was sent to a young offender institution for 16 months, suspended for two years. He must carry out 100 hours of unpaid work, complete a 19-day thinking skills programme and a 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement.