A lone corner shop worker feared she would be “pummelled” when confronted by a drugged-up robber.

Adam Ian Littleton produced a piece of wood containing nails before making off with cash from Workington’s By-Wise store, Vulcans Lane, on May 29.

Littleton, 23, was handed a four-year prison sentence at Carlisle Crown Court, where a judge also imposed an extended licence period after deeming him a dangerous offender.

Gerard Rogerson, prosecuting, said just after 10am the By-Wise shop employee saw him outside as he picked up a piece of wood.

Littleton walked in and demanded cash. When told there wasn’t any he asked for cigarettes.

Fearing he would use the wood, the shop worker handed over £160. “He ran off, saying ‘that’ll do’,” said Mr Rogerson.

“She got the shock of her life. She has never experienced anything like this. She thought she was going to get ‘pummelled’, in her words.”

Littleton admitted robbery, possessing an offensive weapon and police assault having spat at an officer.

Marion Weir, defending, said Littleton had taken a cocktail of illegal substances, and stopped taking medication properly prescribed for mental health issues.

“He accepts the serious nature of this offences and, by virtue of that, expresses his remorse both to the court and the victim in this case,” said Miss Weir.

Imposing the prison sentence, Judge James Adkin said it had been a “serious offence of robbery”.

Littleton, of Central Avenue, Egremont, was made the subject of an extended two-year licence period. Judge Adkin concluded he was liable to commit further offences, and posed a significant risk of harm to the public.