Beloved milkman slashed by thug who stole his van as he made his deliveries

Daniel Bligh, aged 30, of no fixed abode, attacked and robbed a long-serving Barnsley milkman last December.

Bligh, who was sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court for robbery and possession of a bladed weapon, targeted his victim as he was making early morning deliveries on Canal Street.

He slashed the milkman’s hand with a knife before stealing his van, which was later found abandoned on Lang Avenue, Lundwood.

The milkman required 26 stitches and was left unable to work because of physical and emotional side-effects of the incident.

Detective Constable Rebecca Robinson said: “This was an unprovoked attack on an innocent victim who has served his community for many years and is well respected by all who know him.

“Following the robbery we appealed for information from the public to help us identify the offender and we received information that proved vital in this case.

“I would like to personally thank those people who responded to that appeal as this allowed us to work continuously to get Bligh into custody and build the evidence against him to ensure he would not be released.

“Following the incident, the victim’s family, friends, neighbours and customers rallied round to raise money to help him through his difficult time. I think this again demonstrates the great community spirit that we have in Barnsley.”

She added: “I am pleased with today’s sentencing and hope that knowing Bligh is being held responsible for his actions will bring some closure to the victim and his family.”

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