A 32-year-old man from Doncaster has been sentenced to eight years in prison for a violent, unprovoked attack that left his victim in a critical condition. Andrew McMinn, of York Road, Dunscroft, was convicted at Sheffield Crown Court on Wednesday, November 27, after pleading guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of an offensive weapon.
The Attack
The incident occurred on July 17 on Abbey Road, Dunscroft, when McMinn, armed with a hockey stick, launched a brutal assault on his victim. Riding a bicycle to the scene, McMinn struck the victim seven times across the head, chest, and torso before fleeing.
The victim sustained life-threatening injuries in the assault, which took place in broad daylight on a residential street, witnessed by members of the public.
Police Investigation
Detective Constable Katie McCreadie, who led the investigation, detailed the swift and thorough police response that led to McMinn’s arrest.
“After obtaining footage of McMinn as he fled on a bike, we were able to track the route he took to an address where he deposited the bike and the weapon.
“Footage recovered from that address led to us capturing his face and distinctive tattoos on his neck and chest that we could identify him from. The amount of footage of him from the scene to the address, along with the comparison of his tattoos, left him with no choice but to plead guilty.”
Sentencing
McMinn’s guilty plea in August culminated in the eight-year sentence, bringing some closure to the case.
DC McCreadie expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating:
“This was an unprovoked assault on a defenceless victim in broad daylight. I am glad McMinn has now been brought to justice.
“The victim in this case suffered life-threatening injuries and will likely carry the trauma of this incident for life. I hope the sentencing offers him an opportunity to begin moving forward and feel that justice has been served.”
This sentencing highlights the importance of swift police work and community vigilance in bringing perpetrators of violent crime to justice.
