Thug stole mobile phone from terrified boy, 12, as he waited for school bus

Darrell Stott, aged 30, targeted his young victim while the boy was waiting for his school bus.

Stott, who was jailed for four and a half years for the offence, approached his victim on Doncaster Road, Barnsley, on March 16, threatened his victim and demanded that he handed over his mobile phone.

Stott then grabbed the phone from the boy’s hands and fled from the scene.

Concerned local residents went to the young boy’s aid to comfort him and call the police to alert officers to the incident.

Detective Constable Rebecca Robinson said: “The victim was making his way to school when Stott threatened him and demanded he hand over his phone. Stott then forcibly removed the phone from the young boy's hands and ran away from the scene.

“Thankfully nearby residents spotted what happened and immediately came to the child’s aid, comforting him and calling the police.”

Stott, of Farrar Street, was soon identified, arrested and charged with robbery.

After pleading guilty at an earlier hearing, he was sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court yesterday.

DC Robinson described the robbery as a ‘shocking incident’.

“This was a shocking incident that took place just outside of the town centre, in broad daylight and during the early morning rush hour,” she said.

“Subjecting anybody to a robbery like this is horrendous, but the fact that the victim was a young child makes it even more despicable.

“Despite his ordeal, the victim has been incredibly brave throughout this investigation and the information he was able to provide to us, as well as information from the public, meant that we could identify Stott and quickly take him off the streets.

“I am pleased with the sentence handed to Stott today and I hope knowing that he is being held responsible for his actions helps to bring some comfort and closure to the victim and his family.”

Anyone with information about crimes should call South Yorkshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

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