Doncaster pair jailed over knifepoint robberies targeting shops
The pair targeted stores in Balby and Hyde Park
A pair of Doncaster men who targeted stores in a series of knifepoint robberies have been jailed for a combined total of over a decade.
34 year old Nathan Holgate-Smith, of South Street, admitted two counts of robbery after donning a balaclava and threatening staff at stores in Balby and Hyde Park with a blade.
28 year old Jordan Saunders, of Oliver Road, kept watch during both incidents and was also convicted of robbery.
Holgate-Smith will serve five years 10 months, while Saunders will serve four years nine months.
Detective Inspector Mark Nicholson-Gee, of South Yorkshire Police, said:
"This was a despicable attack on two local shopkeepers and customers in the store at the time who all had to endure such a traumatic and terrifying encounter.
"Holgate-Smith threatened the shopkeepers with a large 30cm knife as Saunders kept watch outside, and it was thanks to crucial CCTV evidence and the cooperation of the victims that we were able to pinpoint the offenders and ensure they were brought to justice.
"Although they initially pleaded not guilty, they knew that with the amount of evidence against them, they had no choice but to plead guilty to both robberies and I am pleased they have been given immediate and significant custodial sentences."