Sheffield Tragedy: Fisherman Murdered in Brutal Attack
Jermaine Richards, 31, from Sheffield, was sentenced today at Sheffield Crown Court for the savage murder of father David Ford and the vicious Section 18 assault on David’s son, Ryan Ford. The jury took over nine hours to reach their verdict.
Weekend Fishing Trip Ends in Horror
On the early morning of Saturday 3 September 2022, Ryan Ford met his dad David for their regular weekend fishing trip. While loading gear into David’s car on St John’s Road, Richards confronted them and demanded a lift to Manor Park Centre.
When refused, Richards flew into a rage, punching Ryan in the face. David stepped in, pushing Richards away. Not done, Richards hopped into a stranger’s car, forcing the driver to take him away, before returning to unleash a brutal assault.
He beat both father and son to the ground, continuing the savage attack even as they lay helpless. Then Richards stole David’s car, drove it a short distance, and cruelly ran David over before fleeing the scene.
David suffered catastrophic injuries and was pronounced dead in hospital.
Family Left Shattered by Senseless Loss
“Dave’s shoes are still on my doormat and his coat hangs by the front door. I can’t move them because it would mean accepting he’s gone,” said David’s wife in an emotional statement.
“If he had been ill, I could accept it. But David went fishing one day and never came home. He didn’t die of natural causes—he died because of Jermaine Richards’ choices.”
“We were married 42 years, had four children including Ryan, and a grandson. Dave was the glue of our family, always there to support us.”
“Ryan was deeply close to his dad—the fishing trip was just one of many bonds they shared. The love David gave his family was stolen away.”
“I will go to bed every night sleeping on my side of the bed, leaving David’s side empty.”
Justice Served—But Pain Lingers
Temporary DCI Andrew Knowles, who led the inquiry, said: “No sentence can undo the heartbreak the Ford family feels. We hope today’s sentencing of Richards to life imprisonment with a minimum of 26 years helps them begin to heal.”
Richards was cleared of unrelated racially aggravated public order charges against police officers during his trial.
The chilling verdict sees Richards locked up for life after a brutal act that shocked Sheffield to its core.
