A dogwalker was beaten with metal bars inside his own home by vicious car thieves who forced their way in as he was leaving the house. The victim, a man in his 20s, was subjected to a horrific attack on November 17, 2023, in Eckington, Derbyshire.
Attack at home
At about 7.30am, Liam Rhodes, 28, and a second unidentified man pushed into the flat on Springfield Close when the victim opened his door to take his dog for a walk. They hit him with a metal bar and an object concealed in a sock. Sarah Hughes, 48, then entered and struck him with a metal bar. Rhodes went upstairs and threw the victim's belongings down the stairs before hitting him over the head with a metal connecting rod from a shoe rack. The unidentified man and Rhodes then dragged the victim into a kitchen upstairs, where they kicked and punched him.
The trio left with a watch and car keys, using the keys to steal the victim's car. The victim later attended hospital for head injuries.
Investigation and sentencing
Police recovered a Ford Focus containing the stolen watch, which had been hired by Rhodes. Hughes was identified in an identity parade. Both were arrested but gave no comment during interviews. They were found guilty of robbery and burglary with intent to inflict GBH.
At Derby Crown Court on June 26, Rhodes, of no fixed abode, was jailed for 11 years, and Hughes, of Abbeyfield Road, Sheffield, was jailed for 10 years and six months.
Police statement
Temporary Detective Constable Alice Cundy, who led the investigation, 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."
