Two men jailed after ram-raiding Scarborough shop
They used a car to get into the Spar on Falsgrave Road.
Two men have been jailed after ram-raiding a shop in Scarborough.
50-year-old David John Marsh of no fixed address and 42-year-old Martin Leo Duffy of Scalby Road, Scarborough have today (26 May 2022) been sentenced at York Crown Court after both pleading guilty to burglary.
Marsh received a 22 month prison sentence and Duffy received a two year prison sentence.
At around 2.15am on Monday 7 March 2022, officers from the Firearms Support Unit were conducting patrols in Scarborough when they spotted a silver VW Golf that had been deliberately reversed into the front of the Spar shop on Falsgrave Road.
Marsh and Duffy were in the process of loading stolen cigarettes and alcohol into the car when they were apprehended.
Acting quickly, the officers used a taser to arrest the suspects as they attempted to run away from the scene.
They were taken into police custody and later charged with burglary.
Damage to the shop front and its contents is estimated to cost more than £10,000.
Detective Sergeant David Adams, of the Scarborough Investigation Hub, said:
"I welcome the sentences handed to David Marsh and Martin Duffy.
“On the date of the offence, they used a car to cause a serious level of damage to the shop front at significant financial loss to the owners. Many residents rely on this shop, and they too were affected while it was closed to the public.
"Thankfully, our Firearms Support Unit colleagues caught the two of them in the act and swiftly arrested them. They protected the public and prevented further offences and damage to the store.
“I pay tribute to the bravery of the two police officers concerned, and also to the tenacity of the investigating officer, PC Charlotte White, who helped to secure the convictions and sentences in this case.
"Marsh and Duffy showed a flagrant disregard for the wider public safety in their actions by effectively using the car as a battering ram. Both men now have time to reflect upon their dangerous and selfish actions in prison.
“This case sends a clear message that we will not let reckless and selfish criminal behaviour like this go without sanction and appropriate punishment. You will be put before the court and held accountable for your actions."
North Yorkshire Police Inspector Neil Drummond of the Firearms Support Unit, said:
“The brave actions of the two Firearms Support Unit officers, together with a thorough investigation, has meant these dangerous offenders have been brought to justice. This is an example of the dangers our officers face on a daily basis, putting themselves in harm’s way to ensure the public of North Yorkshire are safe.
“I feel great pride in the actions taken on the night by my team and it is only right that both officers should be commended for their quick and decisive actions when faced with such violence.”