Sheffield Woman Attacked After Trying to Help Group in City Centre
Stuart Price, Natalie Mackay, and Lisa Beard left a kind-hearted woman terrified after a brutal assault in Sheffield city centre.
At Sheffield Crown Court, details emerged of the chilling attack on April 13 last year. The victim was approached by the trio sitting in Peace Gardens on Pinstone Street, who asked her for change.
Good Deed Turns Nightmare
Detective Sergeant Matthew Penn revealed the victim agreed to help, but needed to get change first. She headed to a nearby post office, with Price trailing her.
“The victim generously handed over some money to Mackay, but Mackay then demanded more. Price inappropriately groped her and also demanded she hand over more money,” said DS Penn.
Fearing for her safety, the woman gave Price an extra £20. But the ordeal didn’t end there. The trio launched a vicious attack, hitting her multiple times and stealing her phone and jewellery.
Offenders Caught After Hiding in Kitchen Cupboard
Thanks to CCTV footage and a city centre ambassador’s help, the three were arrested on May 6. Price was even found hiding in a kitchen cupboard.
“This was an extremely violent incident and caused great distress to the victim, who responded in good faith to someone she thought needed help,” said DS Penn. “We are committed to bringing offenders like these three to justice and I hope the public are reassured by this result.”
Sentences Handed Down at Sheffield Crown Court
- Stuart Price, 32, pleaded guilty to sexual assault. He was jailed for 38 months and placed on the Sex Offenders Register for seven years.
- Natalie Mackay, 42, pleaded guilty to robbery and was sentenced to 35 months in prison.
- Lisa Beard, 36, pleaded guilty to affray and received a 12-month community order, with Rehabilitation and Drug Rehabilitation Requirements.
The shocking attack serves as a grim reminder to stay vigilant — even when trying to do a good deed.
