Video shows moment knife-wielding Poundland thief is tackled in street by brave passer-by
This is the moment a brave off-duty police officer tackled a knife-wielding shoplifter without any concern for his own safety. Police Constable Rishi Thobhani was walking along a High Street when he saw Poundland staff chasing after prolific thief Michael Delaney.
PC Thobhani immediately swung into action, told Delaney he was an officer and ordered the 35-year-old to stop. Delaney refused and a foot chase took place.
CCTV then shows Delaney producing a large knife and threatening to stab the officer if he didn't back off. At one point, the tip of the blade was only a few centimetres from his face.
Read More: Scam warning after residents sent texts saying they are eligible for £900 hardship grants
The courageous officer shouted at a member of the public to call the police and managed to pull the knife away and detain Delaney before further officers arrived. His bag of stolen stash included jogging bottoms, socks and washing products.
The incident took place on High Street, Arnold, Nottingham, around midday with terrified members of the public present.
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.”