A pair of criminals armed with a blade and a metal bar terrified a shop worker and stole cash in what has been described as a terrifying experience.

Henry Williams, who lives at Orchard Way in Banbury, was handed a custodial term at Oxford Crown Court on Thursday 26 March.

The man, aged 33, pleaded guilty to a single count of robbery that took place on New Year’s Eve at the Quick Stop on Warwick Road in Banbury.

The court heard that Williams entered the shop alongside an unidentified individual just before 8am on that date.

Williams wore a camouflage jacket and carried a crowbar while his associate brandished a kitchen knife.

Alexandra Bushell, presenting the case for the prosecution, explained that the two men forced shop worker Gurpreet Singh toward the till while they removed the money.

They also ordered him to pack bags with tobacco items and cigarettes.

The court was informed the operation lasted approximately three minutes. The stolen goods were valued at £5,861.91.

A victim impact statement was read out on behalf of the shop’s owner, whose identity was not revealed in court.

In the statement, the owner said this marked the third occasion his business had been targeted by armed offenders. He noted that this theft had significantly affected him, that these criminals had damaged his shop’s standing, and that customers believed the area was unsafe. He explained that these individuals had caused him tremendous anxiety, that he lived in fear of another robbery, and felt exposed and insecure. He described this incident as the most violent one yet.

The court viewed CCTV footage from inside the shop during the robbery. The recording showed the two men pushing Mr Singh behind the counter and filling bags with cash.

Williams was seen striking his crowbar against a surface while the other man displayed a large knife.

The court was told Williams had accumulated seven previous convictions for ten offences.

Peter Due Feu, speaking in mitigation, said Williams appeared to have managed to stay out of trouble for the past six years and had relocated away from the Banbury region. He questioned what possessed him to disguise himself and carry out this robbery. He explained that crack cocaine induces a frenzy to satisfy the addiction and that his goal was to remain free from drugs.

The presiding judge, Mrs Recorder Eleanor Sanderson, observed that this was a robbery at a neighbourhood convenience store, that the store owner had stated he felt vulnerable and unsafe, and that it had caused him significant concern about his financial situation. She described this as a deplorable act and noted that a defenceless individual had been subjected to a terrifying robbery.

Williams was sentenced to a total of 42 months imprisonment.