Robbery duo terrorise victim who plunges into icy canal to escape knuckleduster attack
Chilling robbery spree by water’s edge
Jonathon Bran, 19, and Cameron Hemmings, 21, launched a series of brazen robbery attempts all within an hour. Their terrifying rampage began by targeting a lone man walking along the Chesterfield Canal Towpath.
The pair pulled a knuckleduster and demanded cash. Terrified, the victim made a desperate dive into the freezing canal to get away.
Second victim assaulted in failed robbery bid
As the first man struggled in the icy water for 15 minutes before swimming to safety, another good Samaritan tried to help. But Bran and Hemmings turned on him, assaulting him while attempting another robbery. Thankfully, this second attempt failed.
Swift police action lands trio in the dock
The gang’s spree continued, with Bran and Hemmings snatching £10 from another man on Gateford Road, Worksop just an hour later.
Both men pleaded guilty to robbery charges and possession of an offensive weapon when they appeared at Nottingham Crown Court on 8 March 2022.
- Bran, from Nuthall Road, Basford, was jailed for three years and four months in a young offenders’ institution.
- Hemmings, homeless at the time, received three years and eight months.
Police vow to hit hard against street crime
Detective Constable India Woodrow, Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Bran and Hemmings carried out a series of robbery attempts in just an hour. Their actions left one man injured and forced another to jump into a freezing canal to avoid serious harm. Robbery has lasting physical and emotional impacts on victims. We work tirelessly to stamp out this behaviour and ensure offenders face the full force of the law.”
