Evil couple jailed for 25 years for torturing disabled man in his own home

Paul Lyons (47) and Toni Ackerman (35), both of Elm Green Lane, Conisbrough, beat, stabbed and burnt a 55-year-old man with an iron during a brutal attack  in October last year.

The pair were sentenced by Mr Justice Stephen Males at Sheffield Crown Court after the jury returned guilty verdicts today.

Lyons and Ackerman were sentenced to 25 years each for attempted murder. They each received 16 years for the robbery, to run alongside the 25 year sentence.

Detectives investigating the incident have described it as “a vicious, targeted attack on a vulnerable and defenceless man”

The court heard police were called to house in Katherine Road, Thurcroft at about 9.45pm on October 27 after a friend of the victim found him locked inside the house, covered in blood.

Det Con Janelle Dexter-Lowe, the investigating officer, said: “This was a vicious, targeted attack on a vulnerable and defenceless man carried out by two evil individuals.

“The man used a wheelchair to get around the local area and Lyons and Ackerman took advantage of him, even befriending him prior to the attack.

“The man was effectively tortured in his own home for up to two hours, during which time he was punched, stamped on, stabbed and burnt with an iron.

“He was also dragged around the house while Lyons and Ackerman ransacked his home, looking for valuables before locking him in. They stole his television before disconnecting his phone and taking his house key, making sure he had no way of calling for help.

“I would like to praise the victim in his bravery in giving evidence at the trial and would like to thank members of the public for their help following an appeal for information.

“Several members of the public came forward following the appeal and as a result of their information we were able to identify Lyons and Ackerman who many of the witnesses saw making their way back to Rotherham, covered in blood and carrying the man’s television.

“Thankfully, attacks like this are rare and the victim is now recovering from the despicable ordeal Lyons and Ackerman put him through. I hope that today’s sentence will give him some comfort and contribute to his recovery.”