Youths attack and ambush Sheffield man who challenged them for not wearing masks

Joseph Hawker, aged 27, was on his way home from work when he backed up a tram conductor who asked two passengers to wear their masks, which are aimed at reducing the spread of coronavirus.

When he left the tram on Park Grange Croft, between Heeley and Norfolk Park, the two youths followed and ambushed him.

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He was confronted for asking the youths to wear their masks before they attacked and robbed him of the bag he was carrying, which contained his glasses.

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His brother launched an online crowdfunding appeal on the Go Fund Me website and £275 has been raised to replace Joseph’s glasses.

Joseph, who works for an internet provider in the city, said he is ‘overwhelmed’ at the response to his brother’s fundraising appeal.

“I cannot for a moment begin to express how I feel. The ugliness of the individuals who attacked me is outweighed so overwhelmingly by the generosity of my friends and family. I'm stunned and I'll admit I bawled when I got the call from my brother that he did this for me in secret,” he said.

Joseph said despite the attack, he feels challenging the youths was ‘the right thing to do’.

“They got on the tram without wearing masks and the conductor was asking them to put them on, but they were ignoring him,” he said.

“They were told that if they did not wear their masks, the conductor would ask them to leave and as I was getting off I said to him that he might as well make them get off now as they were not going to put them on.

“I told them they should be wearing masks and despite what happened to me, I feel that I did the right thing.

“If more people had spoken up, they would probably have sat down and complied.

“Wearing masks is only effective if everyone does it. People have to take it seriously.”

Anyone with information about the incident should call South Yorkshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.