Mugshots released of duo involved in terrifying machete gang raid at South Yorkshire shop
and live on Freeview channel 276
Sheffield Crown Court heard yesterday, June 8, how Samuel Bush, aged 25, and Brent Bierton, aged 21, both of Gerrard Road, Wellgate, Rotherham, were part of a masked four-man gang which targeted the Green Wing Mini Market, on Badsley Moor Lane, Rotherham, with a machete.
James Baird, prosecuting, said four males were involved including Bush who was armed with a machete and Bierton who stayed at the door as a look-out.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdMr Baird added: “Mr Bush approaches the counter and he was wearing a green hooded top and wearing motorcycle gloves and carrying a machete with a curved blade of about 60cm in length in his right hand.”
Mr Baird added Bush jumped over the counter and swung the machete towards the shopkeeper who feared for his life.
Bush was shouting, according to Mr Baird, and bent over the shopkeeper and pointed the machete at his face.
Mr Baird said hundreds of pounds in cash was stolen from the till and one of the other males stole two charity boxes and scratch cards and another stole cigarettes.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe raid was captured on CCTV and Bush and Bierton were seen discarding jackets which were later found nearby by police.
Bush, who has no previous convictions, pleaded guilty to robbery and possessing an offensive weapon after the raid on December 22, and Bierton, who has previous convictions, pleaded guilty to robbery.
The court heard Bierton also breached a suspended prison sentence and he has been serving a community order.
The shopkeeper stated he has become suspicious when he sees a group of males and the raid has affected his health so badly he has struggled to complete college studies.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdBush was a hard-working man before he started taking drugs, according to defence barrister Francis Edusei, and it was claimed he had come under the influence of others.
Richard Barradell, defending, said Bierton had a traumatic up-bringing and he has suffered with PTSD and ADHD and has the mental aged of an 11-year-old.
Judge Graham Reeds QC sentenced Bush to three-years and eight months of custody and sentenced Bierton to four-years and two-months of custody.