Terrifying moment would be thief pulls out knife after being challenged by staff

NewsGreater Manchester NewsCourtsJohn Phelps has been jailed17:19, 24 Jul 2026A knifeman has been jailed after producing a blade during a fracas outside a shop in Bolton.‌John Phelps, 42, pulled out a Stanley knife after he was challenged by a member of the public and staff after he was caught trying to shoplift, Greater Manchester Police said.‌A man can be seen to run away once realising that Phelps was armed. The incident happened in broad daylight on April 27 earlier this year, outside a shop on Tonge Moor Road.‌Click here to hear the latest from Manchester's courts in our newsletterPhelps has now been sentenced to two years in prison following a hearing at Bolton Crown Court.‌In a statement, the force said: "A man has been sentenced for two years after threatening a member of the publi