Man hit over head with metal bar in terrifying robbery in own home near Sheffield
Sheffield thugs jailed over raid involving attack with metal bar
A man was struck over his head with a metal bar in a terrifying robbery in his own home near Sheffield.
Liam Rhodes, of no fixed address, and Sarah Hughes, from Abbeyfield Road, Pitsmoor, Sheffield, got into the home of a man in Springfield Close, Eckington, at about 7.30am on Friday November 17, 2023 and subjected him to a terrifying ordeal.
Their victim had just opened his door to take his dog out for a walk when Rhodes and a second unidentified man pushed their way in and hit the victim with a metal bar and an object concealed within a sock.
The violence continued when Hughes entered the flat with a metal bar and struck him with it.
Rhodes went upstairs and started throwing the victim’s belongings down the stairs before hitting him over the head with a metal connecting rod from a shoe rack.
The unidentified man and Rhodes then dragged the victim into a kitchen upstairs where he was kicked and punched.
Rhodes, Hughes and the unidentified man left the property with a number of items belonging to the victim, including a watch and his car keys, which were used to steal his vehicle.
The victim, a man aged in his 20s, later attended hospital to be treated for head injuries.
Officers were called and the victim said Rhodes was known to him and had been receiving threats from him prior to the attack.
Officers recovered a Ford Focus, which had the stolen watch inside it, and found the vehicle had been hired by Rhodes.
Hughes was picked out as one of the perpetrators during an identity parade.
Officers also managed to recover the victims’ stolen car.
Rhodes and Hughes were both arrested but gave no comment or remained silent during police interviews.
Rhodes, 28, and Hughes, 48, were both found guilty of robbery and burglary with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm.
Rhodes was jailed for 11 years and Hughes for 10 years and six months during a hearing at Derby Crown Court on Friday, June 26.
Temporary Detective Constable Alice Cundy, who led the investigation, said: “This was a truly terrifying attack which left the victim with numerous injuries to his head and face.
“The victim was attacked in his own home – a place of sanctuary where he should have felt safest.
“The actions of Rhodes and Hughes were vicious and we are pleased to see that they have been given long sentences, which reflect the severity of their crimes.
“I would like to pay tribute to the victim for their bravery and thank the investigation team for their professionalism during this investigation.”