A homeless teenager was locked up for using a screwdriver to threaten a cleaner who woke him in the Victoria Bus Station.
City magistrates heard that the incident took place at 5.30am when Nathan Lewis was disturbed as he slept between a litter bin and a vending machine.
After an argument, the cleaner knelt beside the 18-year-old and "gently went to move him so he could clean the station," said Sanjay Jerath, prosecuting.
"The defendant jumped up and said 'you ain't got permission to move me, this is council,'" said Mr Jerath.
After another exchange, he looked up and saw Lewis with a screwdriver in his right hand "making jabbing motions," he added. Lewis walked off but was detained nearby.
Homeless pensioner celebrating St Patrick's Day defied order to stay away from town centre
Lewis admitted threatening a person with an offensive weapon in a public place on February 25. He also pleaded guilty to having the drug mamba and begging on Clumber Street on February 9.
He was sent to a young offenders' institute for six months and will be freed on probation when halfway through the sentence.
Rob Keeble, mitigating, said that CCTV of the incident gave a different version than that offered by the station cleaner, who was ready to throw a bucket of water over Lewis.
"He didn't know whether it was hot or cold and was in fear of his own safety. That is why he pulled the screwdriver out.
"There was quite an aggressive attitude towards him," said Mr Keeble.
He said that it was inaccurate to describe Lewis as wanting to be homeless. He had left a shelter because of bullying and Mr Keeble added: "He is not somebody who likes being homeless.
"He certainly doesn't want to be homeless and certainly doesn't want to be on the streets. He is unsafe in that position and is there on a daily basis.
"There is no magic wand. He is certainly not going to be able to take himself out of this whole thing without the assistance of others."
After discussing the case for more than 30 minutes, presiding JP Elizabeth Van Asch told Lewis: "This has been a very difficult sentencing exercise as you will know from the time we have taken.
"But this is so serious only a custodial sentence can be justified."
Student jailed after attacking two women during burglary
Murder accused 'knew he caused death' of his ex-partner after argument
