Man jailed after threatening worker with hammer

Toby Moore pleaded guilty to affray, threatening a person with an offensive weapon in a public place, and four counts of criminal damage

A man has been jailed after he threatened a petrol station worker with a hammer before smashing two car windscreens.

Toby Moore went to Rosemary Street service station in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, during the early hours of 7 July.

The 30-year-old then became aggressive towards a member of staff, verbally threatening him before pulling out a hammer, Nottinghamshire Police said.

He was jailed for one year and four months at Nottingham Crown Court on Wednesday after pleading guilty to affray, threatening a person with an offensive weapon in a public place, and four counts of criminal damage.

Police said Moore caused damage to the store entrance, leading the staff member to fear for his safety, before he walked off and smashed the rear windscreens of two cars that were parked in Westfield Lane.

He also damaged windows, doors, an external cash machine and a parcel locker at the One Stop shop on the same street.

Moore, of Dalestorth Avenue, Mansfield, had partially entered the petrol station, but the staff member was not hurt, police said.

The force added that officers arrived in the area and arrested Moore, who appeared to be drunk.

Insp Kylie Davies, district commander for Mansfield, said: “The swift action taken in response to these incidents demonstrates our commitment to protecting people and property and cracking down on weapon-enabled crime.

“We continue to take a zero-tolerance approach to this sort of criminality, and I’d like to reassure people that we will continue to do everything in our power to protect the public and ensure that those who carry weapons are dealt with quickly and appropriately.”