A Morrisons supermarket in Bradford was evacuated after a man armed with a six-inch knife went on a rampage, terrifying shoppers and staff. Milad Panjshiri, 22, entered the store on December 5 last year, brandishing the blade and causing chaos.
Details of the Incident
Video footage captured Panjshiri hurling wine bottles onto the floor, leaving the aisles covered in shattered glass. He also stabbed cans with the knife and pushed over shelves. The Afghan national waved the blade at a female employee, prompting dozens of shoppers, including elderly customers, to be ushered out for safety.
Court Proceedings
Bradford Crown Court heard that Panjshiri, of Deneside Terrace, Bradford, carried out the attack at the Morrisons branch. One worker saw him tapping the knife on his leg before approaching a female staff member and waving it at her. Staff later told police they were left panicked and in tears while guiding confused shoppers out of the store.
Police were called just before 11am and arrested Panjshiri, recovering the weapon. He refused to leave his prison cell for sentencing. In mitigation, Fuad Arshad cited mental health issues as a factor, noting there was no evidence he attempted to attack members of the public.
Sentence and Judge's Remarks
Recorder Tony Watkin sentenced Panjshiri to 18 months in prison, describing the incident as a very troubling offence and something in the way of a rampage. He stated: He was brandishing that knife in a public place, and there can't be that many more serious examples of offending of this nature than what happened on that day. The judge added that prison staff had raised concerns about violence, psychosis, improvised weapons, and non-engagement while Panjshiri was in custody.
Recorder Watkin noted: He will serve potentially 40 per cent of [his] sentence. I don't know whether he will remain in prison given his immigration status. That is outside the knowledge of this court. The supermarket incident left staff and customers shaken, with heightened awareness due to other similar incidents.
