Police release pictures of two burglars jailed for targeting closed Sheffield businesses during lockdown

Ian Grierson, aged 49, of Main Road, Darnall, Sheffield, committed four burglaries and Nicky Green, aged 36, of Pitsmoor Road, Sheffield, was involved in two of these offences.

Both raided the China Red Restaurant, on Rockingham Gate, near The Moor, and the Tamper Coffee cafe on Westfield Terrace, near West Street, and Grierson also struck at the Jin Ding restaurant and at The Doctor's Orders pub, both on Glossop Road, according to a Sheffield Crown Court hearing.

Judge Sarah Wright told the defendants during the hearing on June 30: "These were concerted, planned group attacks on business premises. These were small businesses owned by real people.

"You were obviously part of a large group targeting these small businesses during the pandemic when those running these businesses were already suffering a substantial loss."

Grierson, who has previous convictions, pleaded guilty to burglary at The Doctor's Orders from April 8-11 and to burglaries at the China Red, the Jin Ding and the Tamper Coffee from April 16.

Green, who has previous convictions, admitted burgling the China Red and the Tamper cafe.

Richard Thyne, prosecuting, said the rear door at The Doctor's Orders had been forced and the alarm ripped out and the pub had been ransacked and six televisions, a coffee machine, alcohol and a PA system were stolen.

He added shutters at the China Red had been forced and a glass door smashed and £450 of spirits and £50 of Champagne were stolen.

The Jin Ding was raided and a £440 television was stolen, according to Mr Thyne.

He added bottles of alcohol were taken from Tamper and food had been damaged.

Tom Heath, defending, said Grierson was struggling financially and emotionally after his grandmother died and he was taking methadone for a previous heroin problem.

Mr Heath added Grierson who suffers with depression and anxiety fell in with a bad crowd.

Joy Merriam, defending, said Green understands the effects of his actions and has expressed remorse.

Ms Merriam added Green is seeking help to become drug and alcohol-free.

Judge Wright sentenced Grierson to 18-months of custody and Green to nine-months of custody.