Court orders man to work in charity shop
A ROBBER'S accomplice who was caught red-handed with two kitchen knives hidden in his jacket sleeves has avoided prison – and instead been handed a work placement in a charity shop.
Dean Sumner, aged 24, of Meadow Bank Road, Sharrow, accompanied his friend Michael Rowley, 18, in the terrifying robbery of 16-year-old Jesse Lee Rajgor in February this year, Sheffield Crown Court heard.
After his arrest, he was found with two large kitchen knives hidden in his jacket sleeves, both with five inch blades.
Neil Coxon, prosecuting, said Jesse had been to a concert in Sheffield on the night of the robbery but missed the last train home and decided to go back into the city centre.
Mr Coxon told the court Jesse was targeted by Rowley and Sumner in the early hours of the morning at Sheffield bus station.
"Rowley was abusive and threatening and demanded his mobile phone, and supported the threat by threatening to stab the complainant.
"However, no knife was ever produced," said Mr Coxon.
"Both Rowley and the defendant were seen to be laughing when the phone was handed over. It was made clear Sumner didn't actively do or say anything."
Days later, the pair were identified on CCTV in Sheffield city centre and arrested after they were spotted "acting suspiciously", Mr Coxon said.
When Sumner was arrested, he told police: "You can't touch me, I'm in the project."
Rowley was found with two knives in the waistband and left-hand pocket of his jacket, while Sumner was found with a kitchen knife in each of his sleeves.
Michael Slater, defending Sumner, said the offence was "out of character", adding: "It's a most unusual case."
Mr Slater suggested Sumner, who pleaded guilty to possessing an offensive weapon, could carry out unpaid work in a local charity shop as part of his sentence, "where he can come into contact with members of the public in a proper setting".
Sentencing, Judge Jane Shipley said Sumner has an IQ of 60 to 63, and "could be classified as having mild mental retardation".
She told him: "You were present with knives, however I accept you said nothing to him and did nothing to him.
"Indeed, it was Rowley who threatened to stab him and took the mobile phone.
"He's in a different category to you and because of your limitations I can take a wholly exceptional course in this case."
Sumner, who has previous convictions for shoplifting as well as cautions for burglary and criminal damage in 2005, was handed a 10-month prison sentence suspended for two years, as well as 80 hours' unpaid work in a charity shop.
Rowley was sentenced in July at Sheffield Crown Court to 20 months for robbery and possession of an offensive weapon.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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