A man who threatened a man with a craft knife and tried to rob him of tobacco has been jailed for 26 months.

Christopher Nolan, 23, had been drinking at a flat in Northfields, Norwich, and had called at the door of a neighbour and demanded tobacco, Norwich Crown Court heard.

Duncan O'Donnell, prosecuting, said the victim gave him tobacco to placate him but when he called again the victim had refused.

Mr O'Donnell said Nolan then pulled out a craft knife and put it near to the victim's stomach.

He said: 'Don't make me do this for a cigarette.'

Mr O'Donnell said that the victim managed to push Nolan away so he dropped the knife. He was then able to close his door and phone police.

In a statement the victim said the incident had left him shaken.

Nolan, of no fixed address, admitted attempted robbery and possession of an offensive weapon.

Michael Clare, for Nolan said it was an 'amateurish' attempt, which was quickly dealt with.

He said that Nolan deserved credit for his early guilty plea.

Jailing Nolan, Judge Stephen Holt said: 'To attempt to rob anyone in their home is a serious matter. The act took place at the threshold of his home.'