27/07/2026
| Duo who subjected man to vicious robbery in own home jailed for more than 20 years combined
A man and woman who subjected their victim to a vicious robbery inside his own home have been jailed for a combined total of more than 20 years.
Liam Rhodes and Sarah Hughes got into the home of a man in Springfield Close, Eckington, at about 7.30am on Friday 17 November 2023 and subjected him to a terrifying ordeal.
The victim opened his door to take his dog out for a walk when Rhodes and a second unidentified man pushed their way in and hit the victim with a metal bar and an object concealed within a sock.
The violence continued when Hughes entered the flat with a metal bar and struck him with it.
Rhodes went upstairs and started throwing the victim’s belongings down the stairs before hitting him over the head with a metal connecting rod from a shoe rack.
The unidentified man and Rhodes then dragged the victim into a kitchen upstairs where he was assaulted by a combination of kicks and punches.
Rhodes, Hughes and the unidentified man left the property with a number of items belonging to the victim, including a watch and his car keys, which were used to steal his BMW vehicle.
Officers later managed to recover the victims’ stolen BMW.
The victim, a man aged in his 20s, later attended hospital to be treated for head injuries.
Officers were called to attended, during which the victim said Rhodes was known to him and had been receiving threats from him prior to the attack.
Officers recovered a Ford Focus, which had the stolen watch inside it, and found the vehicle had been hired by Rhodes.
Hughes was picked out as one of the perpetrators during an identity parade.
Rhodes and Hughes were both arrested but gave no comment or remained silent during police interviews.
Rhodes (28), of no fixed abode, and Hughes (48), of Abbeyfield Road, Sheffield, were both found guilty of robbery and burglary with intent to inflict GBH.
Rhodes was jailed for 11 years and Hughes for 10 years and six months during a hearing at Derby Crown Court on Friday 26 June.
Temporary Detective Constable Alice Cundy, who led the investigation, said: “This was a truly terrifying attack which left the victim with numerous injuries to his head and face.
“The victim was attacked in his own home – a place of sanctuary where he should have felt safest.
“The actions of Rhodes and Hughes were vicious and we are pleased to see that they have been given long sentences, which reflect the severity of their crimes.
“I would like to pay tribute to the victim for their bravery and thank the investigation team for their professionalism during this investigation.”
