Christmas morning terror in Sheffield as thug storms house, punches pensioner
Criminal barges in on festive day
Jonathan Ashton, already behind bars for robbery and firearms charges, went on a rampage this Christmas morning. At around 10:50am, he forced his way into a house in Handsworth, Sheffield.
Pensioner attacked after answering door
The victim, a man in his 60s, was home alone when he heard a knock at the rear door. As he answered, Ashton barged inside. When challenged, Ashton launched a brutal attack, punching the man repeatedly around the head and body before fleeing the scene.
The elderly victim was left with serious head injuries and had to be rushed to hospital.
Police piece together evidence
Detective Constable John Briers described Ashton’s actions as “calculated and violent”. He added:
“[Ashton] came with the intention to steal and cause harm to anyone in his way.”
Thanks to witness reports, CCTV footage, and forensic clues, police built a strong case against Ashton.
Longer jail term for violent repeat offender
Ashton, currently held at HMP Marshgate, appeared at Sheffield Crown Court on Tuesday 25 April. He was sentenced to 13-and-a-half years in prison, to run concurrently with his existing sentence.
The violent Christmas intruder will now serve more time locked up for his savage attack.
