Gun and Knife Duo Brought to Justice After Terrifying Shop Robbery and Kidnap
Armed Robbery Shakes Chapeltown Superstore
Benjamin Mills and accomplice Ruwen James unleashed terror at Neil’s Superstore in Chapeltown just after 6pm on December 1, 2018. Mills pulled a loaded .25-calibre pistol and pointed it right at a customer’s face while James brandished a knife. The pair demanded cigarettes and cash, forcing the shopkeeper to comply.
After fleeing, James brazenly returned to snatch a charity box. Moments later, a shot rang out through the open shop door, narrowly missing the shopkeeper as it smashed bottles behind him.
Kidnap and Intimidation in Woodhouse
Just days later, on December 5, Mills and another man visited an address in Glossop Street, Woodhouse. They held a 53-year-old man hostage at gunpoint in his kitchen, threatening, “I will smoke you,” before firing a loud bang and striking the victim on the head with the gun. The victim was driven to Chapeltown but managed a daring escape and flagged down a police officer.
Forensic teams recovered spent shell casings at both crime scenes, and a bullet-riddled jacket confirmed the violent nature of the attacks.
High-Stakes Arrest in Lincoln Green
Police traced Mills and James to Mushroom Street, Lincoln Green on December 6. As they neared Cross Stamford Street, armed officers launched a swift arrest operation. The pair tried to flee but were caught after Mills was tasered and distraction devices were used. Officers found Mills carrying a loaded .25-calibre pistol and a knife, while James was armed with a knife.
Long Sentences for Armed Offenders
Mills was convicted of the Chapeltown robbery, the Woodhouse kidnap, and multiple firearms offences. Today, leeds/" title="Leeds" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked" data-wpil-monitor-id="5439">Leeds Crown Court sentenced him to a whopping 25 years behind bars. James pled guilty to the robbery and knife possession charges, receiving six years and nine months.
“The criminal use of firearms is something we will always treat extremely seriously,” said Detective Superintendent Fiona Gaffney of West Yorkshire Police Firearms Prevent and Investigations Team. “The victims endured terrifying threats at gunpoint, and Mills discharged live rounds with reckless abandon. Our officers acted swiftly and professionally to safely arrest these dangerous offenders. We hope these sentences reassure the community and send a clear message that firearm crime will not be tolerated.”
