Brutal Pickaxe Attack in Rossington Ends with Heavy Jail Terms
At 8.50am on Thursday 24 February 2022, Craig Whittle and Jake Ward stopped their car on Grange Lane, Rossington. They then viciously attacked a 40-year-old man, repeatedly striking him with a pickaxe handle.
Victim Left Fighting for Life
Emergency services were alerted to a man being assaulted with weapons. When police arrived, the victim was in critical condition.
“The victim was taken to hospital with serious injuries after a prolonged and vicious beating by Whittle and Ward,” said Detective Constable Caroline Thomas from Doncaster CID.
“He stayed in critical condition for weeks and, even now, over a year later, suffers lasting effects from the attack.”
CCTV and Forensics Crack Case Wide Open
Detectives combed through local CCTV footage to identify the attackers, quickly naming 37-year-old Whittle and 23-year-old Ward as suspects. Forensic tests linked the pickaxe handle directly to Whittle.
“Whittle and Ward have admitted their horrifying roles in this assault and now face lengthy prison sentences,” DC Thomas added. “Such brutal violence has no place in our community.”
Long Jail Sentences Delivered at Sheffield Crown Court
- Craig Whittle, formerly of Makin Street, Mexborough, pleaded guilty to Section 18 assault and possession of an offensive weapon. He was sentenced to 11 years and three months behind bars.
- Jake Ward, formerly of Elizabeth Avenue, Kirk Sandall, pleaded guilty to Section 18 assault. He received a 7 year and six month sentence.
The pair’s savage attack has shocked the Rossington community and serves as a stark warning that violent crime will be met with severe punishment.
