Brutal Pickaxe Attack in Rossington: Two Men Sentenced
vicious Assault on Grange Lane
Just before 9am on Thursday 24 February 2022, Craig Whittle and Jake Ward stopped their car on Grange Lane, Rossington. They jumped out and launched a savage attack on a 40-year-old man, repeatedly bashing him with a pickaxe handle.
Victim Left Fighting for Life
Emergency services were called after reports of a man being attacked with weapons. Police arrived to find the victim in critical condition. Detective Constable Caroline Thomas of Doncaster CID revealed the brutal beating left the man hospitalised for weeks, and even a year later, he still suffers long-term effects.
“The victim was taken to hospital with significant injuries due to the prolonged and vicious assault by Whittle and Ward. Their violence is simply unacceptable,” said DC Thomas.
Evidence and Arrests Lead to Harsh Sentencing
Police combed nearby CCTV and pinpointed 37-year-old Whittle and 23-year-old Ward as the attackers. Forensic tests on the pickaxe handle directly linked Whittle to the crime. Both men admitted their roles and faced tough jail time.
On Friday 24 March, Sheffield Crown Court handed down sentences: Whittle got 11 years and 3 months, while Ward was locked up for 7 years and 6 months.
Details of the Convicted
- Craig Whittle, formerly of Makin Street, Mexborough, pled guilty to Section 18 assault and possession of an offensive weapon.
- Jake Ward, formerly of Elizabeth Avenue, Kirk Sandall, pled guilty to Section 18 assault.
This savage attack has shocked the Rossington community and sends a strong message that such brutal violence won’t be tolerated.
