A customer who had been prohibited from returning to a shop attacked the owner with what the victim thought was a blade during a Christmas Day occurrence. The case was heard at Nottingham Crown Court, where it was revealed that Andrew Woolley, who was without stable accommodation, curled his keys between his digits and jabbed them toward the proprietor who was telling him to go away. The 38-year-old man then threatened to use the improvised weapon to stab the victim before walking out. He now has a six-month window to stay out of trouble or risk being incarcerated. Ellesse Taylor, presenting the case for the prosecution, described how the incident happened on December 25 the year before at a convenience outlet on Barnby Gate Off Licence and Newsagents in Barnby Gate, Newark. She outlined how Woolley and a woman arrived at the shop and were recognised by the owner, who told Woolley he would not be served because of an existing ban and ordered them to leave. According to the prosecution: Woolley was holding a fizzy energy drink while the woman attempted to leave with a sandwich, but the shopkeeper tried to stop her. Woolley advanced toward the staff member showing what he regarded as a knife but was actually keys he had gripped between his fingers. He threatened to stab the victim and officers who had been called arrived shortly afterwards. Woolley, who had no fixed address, was initially indicted with robbery but later entered guilty pleas to reduced charges of theft and making threats with an offensive weapon. He has an extensive criminal history including 27 prior convictions covering 60 separate offences. Anna Jones, the prosecutor, indicated that after the incident her client has secured accommodation and is obtaining support for drug and alcohol issues and mental health difficulties through a local church group. With sentencing adjourned until September 25, Judge Nirmal Shant KC stated that the offences occurred because Woolley was street homeless at the time and someone had stolen the bedding the Samaritans had given him, however this was an assault on a person who works alone. The judge placed Woolley on trust and did not impose a sentence immediately. The judge indicated that if Woolley keeps his accommodation, continues taking his medication and stays in contact with the church organisation helping him, then the seven and a half months originally intended would be suspended. The judge warned that if Woolley fails to do so, he is fully aware of the consequences and non-compliance will result in imprisonment.