A 22-YEAR-OLD man has been warned he faces a "substantial custodial sentence" after pleading guilty to stabbing a store manager in the stomach.

Kyle Andrew Paladino, of no fixed address, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court this afternoon (Friday, November 22) where he pleaded guilty to the offence.

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Emergency services were called to Farmfoods on Boundary Road at around 3.45pm on Saturday, October 19 to reports a store manager had been stabbed in the stomach.

St Helens Star:

Paladino was arrested the following Tuesday in Newton-le-Willows and charged by police.

Appearing in the dock wearing a blue shirt, Paladino pleaded guilty to wounding with intent.

He also admitted to charges of possession of a knife and theft of a jar of coffee at Farmfoods in relation to the incident.

Defending Paladino, Philip Astbury requested for sentencing to take place this afternoon but a judge adjourned this until December 9 for a pre-sentence report.

Mr Astbury said: "The incident is captured on CCTV from the store. This is the defendant's first offence of violence although he has a previous conviction for possessing a bladed article."

St Helens Star:

He added: "The defendant is taking a brave decision and wishes to know his fate."

However, judge Brian Cummings QC adjourned sentencing and remanded Paladino in custody.

He said the court would have to consider "dangerousness" and acknowledged Paladino has not previously served a sentence "approaching the one in prospect" and added "there needs to be a report".

Judge Cummings said to Paladino: "I have heard what has been said. You have pleaded guilty to all the charges. The next stage in the court process is sentencing.

"I know you wanted that to happen now."

He said the producing of a report will take "just over a fortnight".

"I'm adjourning sentencing to December 9.

"You remain in custody, obviously the time you spend in custody will count towards the eventual sentence.

"What that sentence is will be a matter for the judge to decide on that occasion.

"I'm sure you appreciate it will be a substantial custodial sentence."