Denaby man jailed for 14 years after shots fired as a young family slept

Michael Swift burst into a house in Athelstane Road, Conisbrough, armed with a weapon in the early hours of January 23 this year.  

Leeds Crown Court heard how Swift had entered the address, but was met by a 31-year-old man who attempted to confront him - but instead of fleeing the property, Swift pointed the gun at the victim and fired two shots. 

Thankfully, the man wasn't seriously injured and Swift fled the property empty handed shortly after.

Swift, of Staithes Walk, Denaby, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm with intent to cause injury and attempted robbery on the first day of trial.

He appeared before Leeds Crown Court last Thursday (October 24), where he was jailed for 14 years and five months for possession of a firearm and 11 years and eight months, to be served concurrently, for the attempted robbery charge.

Det Insp Lee Nesbeth, who led the investigation, described the incident as truly terriying, and said it had had a profound effect on the victim’s life.

“The incident had clearly been planned at night when the victim, his partner and young children, would be present and it’s incredibly fortunate that no one was seriously injured by Swift’s actions," Det Insp Nesbeth added. 

“Swift was identified after the incident through forensic evidence and following a lengthy and complex investigation we have been able to bring him before the courts who have held him to account. 

“This incident had a huge impact on the wider community too and I hope that through this result, local communities can rest assured that South Yorkshire Police will relentlessly pursue those criminals who arm themselves to commit offences. 

“I personally welcome the custodial sentence given to Swift by the judge, who in passing stated that Swift ‘posed a significant risk to the public.’ I hope his victim and the community can feel reassured that he is now serving a substantial sentence.”