Man threatened to 'spark out' and 'shank' Beeston Greggs worker after stealing two baguettes

A man threatened to stab a Greggs worker after stealing two baguettes from a Nottinghamshire shop. Lee Keeton, 29 and of no fixed address, breached his criminal behaviour order, which bans him from entering defined areas in Beeston and Chilwell.

Keeton was banned from entering or loitering near certain shops in March 2023 after the Beeston Neighbourhood Policing Team applied the criminal behaviour order. This runs until March 21, 2025.

Keeton is also prohibited from remaining in any shop when asked to leave by a member of staff, must not use threatening/abusive words or behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm, and distress to any person in the Broxtowe district, and must not enter any retail premises of which he has received a banning letter prohibiting him from entering. Keeton has now been sentenced for breaching his order.

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This came after he entered the Greggs shop on High Road, Beeston, and tried to steal two baguettes on Friday, June 28. When he was stopped by a member of staff and asked to leave, Keeton became aggressive.

He threatened to ‘spark out’ and ‘shank’ the shop worker, causing him to fear for his safety, before Keeton left the store. Keeton was arrested on Saturday, June 29, and he was subsequently charged. He appeared at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on Monday, July 1, for sentencing after pleading guilty to breaching his criminal behaviour order, using threatening behaviour, and stealing the baguettes.

Keeton was jailed for 16 weeks. The Beeston Neighbourhood Policing Team are now in the process of applying to vary Keeton’s order, by including additional prohibition and extending it by another two years.

Police Constable Samantha Gledhill, of the Beeston Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "Since the imposition of his order, Keeton has continued to commit acts that have caused or were likely to cause harassment, alarm, or distress to others. His appalling and aggressive behaviour has blighted local shops and their employees and customers.

"We continue to deal robustly with people who act in this manner. Where possible we will direct people to any help and support they need, but ultimately we will take decisive action when all other options have been exhausted.

"We are committed to protecting our communities from the harm caused by offenders such as Keeton and I hope the robust steps we have taken acts as a warning to other individuals who behave in this way – action will be taken against them and they risk ending up in prison.”