Worksop: Armed robbers jailed for total of 36 years

The group of seven men and two women were sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court yesterday (Friday 18th July) after pleading guilty at an earlier hearing.

They committed five armed robberies between Sunday 21st July and Thursday 8th August, 2013 in Doncaster and Worksop.

The group targeted One Stop Shop in King Edward Road, Balby, on Sunday 21st July, South Yorkshire Credit Union in Queensgate, Doncaster, on 22th July, Ladbrooks in Queen Mary’s Road, Rossington on 25th July, Antiques and Bargains in Market Place in Doncaster on 29th July and the Post Office in Prospect Place, Worksop on Thursday 8th August.

Robert Hamilton, 33, of Shepperd Road, Balby, was jailed for six years and five months for the robberies at Ladbrooks and Antiques and Bargains.

Robert Swaine, 26, of Stanley Square, Kirk Sandall, was sentenced to six years and six months for the robbery at South Yorkshire Credit Union, use of a false instrument to commit fraud, possession of an offensive weapon and driving while disqualified.

Shane Fletcher, 30, of St James Street, Hyde Park, received a five-and-a-half year sentence for the attempted robbery of the Post Office in Prospect Place.

Ayrton Bint, 28, of Shepperd Road, Balby, was jailed for five years and six months for the attempted robbery at Post Office in Prospect Place and blackmail.

Daniel Rylance, 30, of Firth Crescent, Rossington, was sentenced to seven years and seven months for the robbery at Ladbrooks and a burglary at Hyperion Way, Rossington on the 5 August.

Daniel Milward, 29, of Smith Square, Balby, was jailed for four years for his part in the robbery at Antique and Bargains, during which he had acted as a decoy. Frederick Teale, 48, of Galsworthy Close, Balby, received a one year sentence for assisting an offender with the robbery at Antique and Bargains.

Hannah Betteridge, 19, of Cartmell Drive, Leeds, and Terri Relton, 26, of New Beginnings, Balby, were both given a 51 week sentence, suspended for two years, for attempted robbery at the One Stop Shop.

They must also complete 150 hours unpaid work and complete a ten day restorative justice programme.

Det Insp, Alison Griffiths, said: “This group of people carried out a series of armed robberies across two counties.”

“Thankfully no one was injured during these offences however the experience was extremely traumatic for the members of staff who were the victims.”

“Being the victim of a robbery can have a long-term effect and the seriousness of the offence is reflected in the sentences handed to this group of people today.”

“The public can be reassured that justice has been done and those responsible behind bars and not committing offences in our community.”