Brandon Hoggett, involved in two group attacks, 'believes violence is just one of those things'
A 21-year-old man involved in two, unprovoked group attacks, has come to believe “violence is just one of those things” after witnessing inappropriate behaviour as a child.
Brandon Hoggett, of no fixed abode, was said to play a leading role in both a pub brawl - during which items including chairs and glasses were thrown - and a vicious group robbery.
As he sent Hoggett to begin a 68-month prison sentence, Judge David Dixon said it was of concern to the court that the young criminal is of the opinion that “violence is just one of those things.”
“That is a real worry for me…that could mean you are a danger,” Judge Dixon told Hoggett, referring to the dangerous offender provisions under the law, which can result in an extended sentence and a requirement for the Parole Board to rule on any release decisions.
Advancing mitigating points on his behalf, Hoggett’s barrister, Rebecca Tanner, told Sheffield Crown Court that Hoggett had a “difficult upbringing” and witnessed things which have had a significant impact upon him.
Prosecuting, Richard Davies told a hearing held on March 16, 2026 that the brawl broke out in the lounge of a Barnsley pub after Hoggett asked the complainant, who was there with members of his family, to come outside for a “man-to-man” chat.
Mr Davies said the complainant refused the request because he wanted to “avoid any trouble.”
Hoggett and his two accomplices subsequently cornered the complainant, and a disturbance, involving punches - along with tables and glasses - being thrown subsequently ensued.
Judge Dixon noted that “brave” members of the public who tried to intervene in a bid to bring the violence to an end were themselves assaulted.
“Whatever the background to it, this was not acceptable,” Judge Dixon said of the “unpleasant” attack.
As Hoggett and his accomplices left the pub in the aftermath of the incident, they told the complainant they knew where he lived and would “put his windows through” and set his home alight, the court heard.
Around nine months after the pub brawl, Hoggett was involved in a group robbery on a man who was set upon in the street.
The second complainant suffered a number of injuries including facial lacerations and bite to his arm. The court was told how DNA from the latter injury was used to link Hoggett to the robbery, and the second complainant subsequently confirmed he was one of the men involved in the incident during an identity parade.
In a statement to the court, the second complainant said the robbery had affected almost every aspect of his life, leaving him unable to sleep and rendering him unable to enjoy his work or to put in the number of hours he once did.
Hoggett pleaded guilty to charges of affray and robbery at earlier hearings. Mr Davies told the court Hoggett has a criminal record spanning 23 previous offences from 10 court appearances.
Continuing in her mitigation, Ms Tanner said that while Hoggett’s pre-sentence and psychological reports may suggest otherwise, Hoggett now regrets his behaviour and has come to understand the impact it is likely to have had on his victims.
“He readily accepts he wasn’t living a pro-social life. He was using drugs on a regular basis, and simply wasn’t appreciating how significantly the drugs were affecting him and his behaviour,” Ms Tanner said, adding that Hoggett has been in custody on remand since July 2025 and now understands what it feels like when he is not using drugs regularly.
Sending Hoggett to begin his prison sentence, Judge Dixon told him: “I’ve come very close to sentencing you as a dangerous offender..I’ve held back because of the level of harm caused.”
“You need to find a way of dealing with your issues….you need to find a way of getting a proper job, which given your record, will not be straight forward.”
Hoggett was told the time he has spent on remand, and on a qualifying curfew, will count towards the amount of time he spends in custody.