Rotherham bank robbers jailed for 33 years
Two men have been sentenced to 33 years in prison for carrying out a “frightening and violent” armed robbery at a Rotherham bank.
Michael Lydon, 53, of Fair View, Cleethorpes, was jailed for 20 years after being found guilty by a jury at Sheffield Crown Court on Friday (28 July). He denied his involvement in the robbery at Yorkshire Bank in Rawmarsh in January 2016.
Paul Smith, 57, of The Coppice, Kimberworth, was sentenced to 13 years after admitting the charges at an earlier hearing. Both men were convicted of seven charges including two counts of robbery, attempt robbery, possession of an imitation firearm and causing injury by dangerous driving.
Lead investigating officer DC Chris Lewis said: “The lengthy jail terms reflect the serious nature of the crimes committed by these two dangerous individuals.
“Not only did they carry out a violent and frightening attack on innocent bank staff they also continued to carry out further violent robberies in their bid to escape which resulted in a female being seriously injured.
“They clearly believed that they were above the law but thanks to excellent police work and assistance from members of the public, we were able to capture these dangerous criminals.”
At around 8.30am on Friday 29 January, Lydon and Smith, wearing balaclavas, entered the bank armed with a gun and a crowbar.
They laid in wait before threatening staff demanding cash from the safe and cash machines. One of the staff was able to activate a panic alarm which alerted the police.
When officers arrived, the offenders locked five members of staff in the bank’s vault and fled the scene. Lydon and Smith threatened attending officers with a gun and left on foot along Rawmarsh Hill and toward New Bear Road, dumping the bag of cash in a bush along the way.
The pair went on to threaten a woman on Ashwood Road with the gun and tried to pull her from her car however she was able to drive off.
Soon after, they made a second attempt to take a vehicle from a woman on Foundry Street in Parkgate. After grabbing her from behind and taking her keys, they stole her van and drove it at her to get away, causing her to suffer a fractured leg, foot and shoulder.
CCTV showed the men get into another car after discarding the van in a nearby car park. Smith was identified through CCTV and later arrested. CCTV and phone evidence traced Lydon to the Cleethorpes area where he was also later arrested.
“These men were ruthless and violent in their attempts to steal money without regard for the staff who worked there,” added DC Lewis.
“Their actions in trying to escape again showed their disregard for the victims who have all been subjected to terrifying experiences which will no doubt affect them for the rest of their lives.
“Prison sentences can never compensate for the ordeal that several victims suffered at the hands of these criminals however I hope it will go some way to reassure people that they are now in prison.”
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- wathupondearne Latest news in Yorkshire: October 30, 2018 02:42:20 PM Over 80 stalls set to be occupied in The Glass Works for first day of trading Over 80 stalls are set to be occupied in the new Barnsley Market Hall ahead of its opening on Friday 2 November. Traders are busy preparing for the move into The Glass Works following the hugely successful move of meat and fish traders into the Barnsley Market Food Hall at the start of September. And today, Barnsley Council is delighted to announce that almost all of the stalls in the market will be occupied on the first day of trading with the remainder opening over the next few months. Fifty-three stalls will set up on the ground floor of the market on opening day with others moving in before the end of the year. Upstairs, 32 of the 40 units will be occupied. The remaining eight are set to be let before the end of the year. The opening of Barnsley Market Hall – a momentous occasion in the market’s rich history – will take place on May Day Green on Friday 2 November with an official opening a day later on Saturday 3 November. The first exciting details about the occasion can now be revealed. The Mayor of Barnsley, Councillor Steve Green, will ring the traditional market bell after a speech from Leader of Barnsley Council, Sir Steve Houghton. We’ll be celebrating the history of Barnsley Market with your market memories – while there will also be family entertainment, promotions, competitions and special guest appearances. The move of market traders into the new Market Hall represents a huge milestone in The Glass Works project. Traders from Market Parade will leave their temporary home underneath the multi-storey car park after trading on Saturday 20 October. May Day Green Market will remain open until Saturday 27 October. They will move into the new Market Hall – a bright, modern and spacious market setting more akin to a department store. The new market will also feature extended opening hours and Thursday openings. Meanwhile, market cafes are preparing to move into Market Kitchen later in the month with more details on the move and flagship food court to be announced soon. Councillor Roy Miller, Cabinet Spokesperson for Place, said: “The opening of Barnsley Market Hall will be a fantastic occasion. We’re extremely excited to welcome the traders into The Glass Works and right back into the heart of Barnsley town centre. “The redevelopment of our town centre is built around our famous market. Barnsley has had a market since 1249; it’s what we’re famous for and that’s why the new market is at the centre of The Glass Works. People from far and wide will want to visit the famous Barnsley Market and celebrate what’s sure to be a fantastic next chapter in its rich history. “I want to urge local people to come out and support our brilliant market traders in the Market Hall and Food Hall, both for the opening and moving forward into the future.” Following the market’s move into The Glass Works, the temporary building on May Day Green will be dismantled and sold on, while Market Parade will come down with the multi-storey car park in January. The opening of Barnsley Market Hall – together with the Food Hall – is part of the multi-million pound redevelopment of Barnsley town centre, which includes The Glass Works, markets, public realm, Library @ The Lightbox and Market Gate Bridge. You can follow all the latest updates on social media by following
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