Pair sentenced over 'vicious' north Derbyshire robbery jailed for 20 years combined
Both were found guilty of robbery and burglary with intent to inflict GBH.
A man and woman who broke into a man's north Derbyshire home during a 'vicious' robbery has been jailed for more than 20 years combined.
28 year old Liam Rhodes, of no fixed address and Sarah Hughes, 48 and of Abbeyfield Road in Sheffield, were both found guilty of robbery and burglary with intent to inflict GBH.
The pair pushed their way into the home on Springfield Close, Eckington, at about 7.30am on November 17 2023, as the victim opened his door to take his dog out for a walk.
He was struck with a metal bar and an object hidden in a sock. Hughes then struck him with a metal bat while inside the flat. Rhodes and an unidentified second man then dragged the victim into an upstairs kitchen where the assault continued.
All three then left the property with items including the man's watch and car keys, which were used to steal a BMW.
The victim, in his 20s, later turned up in hospital. He told police he knew Rhodes and had been previously threatened.
Temporary Detective Constable Alice Cundy, of Derbyshire Police, said: “This was a truly terrifying attack which left the victim with numerous injuries to his head and face.
“The victim was attacked in his own home – a place of sanctuary where he should have felt safest.
“The actions of Rhodes and Hughes were vicious and we are pleased to see that they have been given long sentences, which reflect the severity of their crimes.
“I would like to pay tribute to the victim for their bravery and thank the investigation team for their professionalism during this investigation.”
Rhodes was jailed for 11 years and Hughes for 10 years and six months during a hearing at Derby Crown Court on June 26.