Sheffield man's prison sentence increased over role in abuse

A Sheffield man involved in the abuse and imprisonment of another man in his own home has had his jail term increased.
Shakaiyah SwindellsShakaiyah Swindells
Shakaiyah Swindells

Shakaiyah Swindells, now 18, was jailed for seven years in December over a sustained campaign of abuse and violence towards a 40-year old vulnerable man but his sentence was increased by two years this week at the Court of Appeal.

COURT: Man jailed for 25 years for sex offences against three Barnsley boysSolicitor General, Robert Buckland QC MP, launched an appeal against the original jail term, arguing that it was unduly lenient.

Matthew WardMatthew Ward
Matthew Ward
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POLICE: Man arrested over modern slavery offences connected to Sheffield restaurantSwindell's co-accused - Matthew Ward and Marcus Cullumbine - both had their sentences increased at the beginning of the month.

TRIAL: 'The killer was my front seat passenger but I won't name him,' murder accused tells Sheffield Crown CourtWard, whose sentence was extended to 19 years, and Cullumbine, who must now serve 13-and-a-half years behind bars, befriended a vulnerable man, moved into his home in Westfield and subjected him to weeks of sickening abuse.

Swindells, of Shortbrook Drive, Westfield, was the last of the three abusers to move in and take part in the abuse.

Their victim was locked in a cupboard, punched and kicked in the head, attacked with a Stanley knife and burnt before he eventually managed to escape after claiming it would raise suspicions if he did not collect his prescription.

Marcus CullumbineMarcus Cullumbine
Marcus Cullumbine
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The chemist he saw raised the alarm and the victim was found to have a number of serious wounds, including broken ribs and extensive burns.

Swindells, along with Ward, then 23 and of Garland Croft, Westfield and Cullumbine, then 20 and of Haigh Moor Way, Swallownest, were found guilty of false imprisonment and wounding after a trial at Sheffield Crown Court.

Solicitor General, Mr Buckland QC MP, said: "By becoming involved in Ward and Cullumbine’s campaign of abuse after it had started, Swindells had the chance to stop it. Instead he joined the attacks and inflicted untold damage on a vulnerable member of the community

"I am pleased that the Court of Appeal has increased Swindells’ sentence. I hope that the fact that all three of the abusers’ sentences have now been increased sends the message that this kind of hate crime will be severely punished."