A Stevenage man has been sentenced to eight months in prison after pleading guilty to theft, possession of a bladed article in a public place and affray.
James Stubbington, of no fixed address, was sentenced at St Albans Crown Court on Thursday.
The incident happened in March 2019, after the 31-year-old stole two knives from the Tesco Extra store in the town centre, waved them around and threatened other shoppers.
He was charged with two offences of possesion of a bladed article in a public place, theft from a shop and the affray of knives.
Mr Stubbington pleaded guilty to all offences and was handed a six month prison sentence for theft, eight months for the affray and possession of knives, and two months for breaching a conditional discharge.
All of the sentences will run concurrently, which means his sentence totals eight months.
PC Chris Jones said: "Although no one was hurt as a result of Stubbington's actions, this was a very frightening experience.
"By pleading guilty to the offences I hope he understands the gravity of his actions and will seek help to ensure this behaviour is not exhibited again."
