Four jailed for 'shocking' attack on man in South Yorkshire town on VE Day

Four people have been jailed for a total of more than 14 years for their roles in the ‘shocking’ robbery of a man in Barnsley town centre on VE Day.
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Kieron Yates, 19, James Steven Upton, 25, Ryan Edward Houlston, 34, and Jodie Louise Heppenstall, 21, were sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court on Thursday following the crime on The Arcade on May 8.

The 41-year-old victim was hit in the face and body and pulled to the ground – all for a mobile phone and a packet of cigarettes.

A screenshot of a video of the shocking attack. Credit: @skinoverbone.A screenshot of a video of the shocking attack. Credit: @skinoverbone.
A screenshot of a video of the shocking attack. Credit: @skinoverbone.
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PC Rosie O'Grady, the investigating officer from South Yorkshire Police, said: “This was a particularly shocking attack.

"The victim endured an extremely distressing and entirely unprovoked ordeal."

She added: “I’m very pleased with the result – and for getting justice for the completely innocent victim.

"I hope it shows that such horrendous behaviour will not be tolerated in our community.

The faces of those who have been jailed for the robbery.The faces of those who have been jailed for the robbery.
The faces of those who have been jailed for the robbery.
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"The actions of Yates, Upton, Houlston and Heppenstall that day left local residents, and people across the country, horrified and I’m glad they have all quite rightly been handed custodial sentences.”

All four defendants had previously pleaded guilty to robbery. In addition, Heppenstall had also admitted common assault.

Yates, of no fixed abode, was jailed for four years.

Upton, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to three years and nine months.

Houlston, formerly of Bank End Avenue, Barnsley, received a custodial sentence of three years and four months.

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Heppenstall, formerly of Princess Street, Barnsley, will serve a three-year sentence.

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