18-year-old who held a knife to man's neck in 'scary’ Sheffield robbery sent to youth offenders’ prison

Joshua Yeardley, formerly of Langsett Road, Sheffield, appeared before Sheffield Crown Court today charged with robbery, possession of a bladed article, possession of an offensive weapon and possession of cannabis.

He pleaded guilty to all charges and was handed a 27 month custodial sentence in a youth offenders’ prison.

At around 10pm on Wednesday, September 18, a 33-year-old man was walking through Hillsborough Park when he was approached from behind and threatened by Yeardley, who held a knife to his neck.

Yeardley forced the victim to walk to the nearest cashpoint and withdraw a quantity of money, before taking the victim’s mobile phone, wallet and other personal items.

Yeardley was arrested in the early hours of Thursday, September 19 and when searched, was in possession of the stolen mobile phone and an extendable baton. Officers also found a quantity of cannabis.

Detective Constable Ryan Griffiths said: “This robbery must have been a scary experience for the victim to go through and I am pleased that Yeardley has pleaded guilty to the charges placed before him by the courts.

“We took swift action to apprehend Yeardley, bringing him into custody and recovering the stolen phone.”