Swanage woman armed with knife made demand to toy shop owner

Jane Keith, 53, pointed the kitchen knife directly at Nicholas Waterman and made a demand for money in Swanage, Bournemouth Crown Court heard.

Mr Waterman, who runs John’s Toyland in Institute Road, Swanage, closed and locked the door of the shop and went to the back of the premises.

Keith was shouting and banging on the door for about 30 seconds after her interaction with Mr Waterman, Bournemouth Crown Court heard.

At the hearing on Friday, June 2, prosecutor Tom Wright said she was seen “waving the knife around” before concerned witnesses called police.

“By the time police attended she was in a nearby pub,” Mr Wright said.

The court heard she was found in a toilet cubicle, where she threatened to stab the arresting officer.

Mr Wright told the court Keith was known to be “unpredictable in her behaviour”, especially when she had consumed alcohol.

The defendant had many convictions for public order offences but no previous weapon offences on her record.

Keith, of Steer Road, Swanage, admitted affray and possession of a bladed article in relation to the incident on March 9.

Swanage. Picture taken with the assistance of Bliss Aviation

Mitigating, Robert Grey said his client’s problem was alcohol.

“Offending has come about rather late in life,” Mr Grey said. “Offending did not start until she was 41. It started after her mother became unwell and she passed away”.

Mr Grey said Keith was known to the substance misuse team and she was capable of a period of sobriety.

“She is not getting any younger,” the barrister said. “She knows she has got to change.”

The sentencing hearing took place at Bournemouth Crown Court (Image: Newsquest)

Sentencing judge Recorder Don Tait told the defendant: “At the age of 53 you must know you cannot carry on like this indefinitely.

“You will be drinking yourself into an early grave.

“I am going to give you an opportunity to break this vicious cycle, but it will need a lot of effort on your part.”

Keith received a 12-month community order, with requirement to have alcohol treatment for six months and complete up to 25 rehabilitation activity days.