Barnsley robber who stabbed woman with needle jailed for almost seven years
30 year old Robert Leverton attacked the woman as he was trying to escape a shop last July
A Barnsley man has been jailed for almost seven years after a robbery, during which he stabbed a woman with a needle.
30 year old Robert Leverton, of no fixed address, was handed a six year 10 month sentence at Sheffield Crown Court earlier this week after admitting to the charges against him.
He was arrested shortly after an incident on June 9 last year where he stole £42 worth of items from a shop on Sackville Street.
He stabbed a 24 year old woman with a needle when she tried to stop him from leaving. She wasn't seriously injured.
Leverton initially tried to deny involvement but couldn't explain why the victim knew his name and was able to recognise him.
Detective Constable Charlie Foye, of South Yorkshire Police, said: “Leverton is a prolific offender and I am glad to see him receive a lengthy sentence for his disgusting crime.
“This case goes to show that shoplifting is far from a victimless crime, as innocent people are often hurt or threatened as offenders attempt to make off with stolen goods.
“I hope that Leverton will consider whether it was worth stealing £42 worth of items now that he will spend more than half a decade behind bars, and I hope he will make better choices when he is eventually released.”