Below are some of the more serious and dreadful robbery and burglary cases to have passed through Sheffield Crown Court recently where victims have been left traumatised and out-of-pocket.
Offenders have been involved in stealing from an elderly victim, taking sentimental items, and using weapons such as metal bars, a knife and even a machete to get their hands on ill-gotten gains.
One victim was in her bedroom when an offender came into her home armed with a knife and in another case, a victim had been doing housework when a robber came into their home with a metal bar.
But judges have seen fit to punish these offenders appropriately with custodial sentences of varying lengths.
9. Brent Bierton
Brent Bierton, aged 21, pictured, of Gerrard Road, Wellgate, Rotherham, pleaded guilty to robbery with Samuel Bush, aged 25, also of Gerrard Road, Wellgate, Rotherham. Bierton was involved with Bush during a gang robbery at the Green Wing Mini Market, on Badsley Moor Lane, Rotherham. Judge Graham Reeds QC sentenced Bierton to four-years and two-months of custody in June. Photo: South Yorkshire Police
10. Daniel Cummins
Sheffield Crown Court heard Daniel Cummins, pictured, aged 36, of St Helen’s Street, Elsecar, Barnsley, climbed into a house in Barnsley and went into the victim’s bedroom and punched and slashed at her with a knife before stealing her mobile phone. Cummins, who has previous convictions, pleaded guilty to robbery and unlawful wounding but after a previous trial he was acquitted of sexual assault and trespassing with intent to commit a sexual assault. Judge Sarah Wright sentenced him in June to 18-years of custody. He must serve 13-years before being considered for parole. Photo: South Yorkshire Police