Public thanked after samurai sword man jailed for 'appalling' attack

Craig Berridge (38), of Dawson Avenue, Rawmarsh, was jailed for 13 years, six months after the attack at Morrisons in Parkgate in the summer.

Accomplice Gareth Slater (33), of Kilnhurst Road, Rawmarsh, was sentenced to ten years on Tuesday (18) for his part in the incident, which saw a 39-year-old man stabbed in a Fiat Punto.

The suspects were reported as being in possession of a samurai sword and members of the public provided a running commentary of where they were going on the evening of June 28.

A police chase followed before the vehicle hit a pavement and was surrounded by officers but Berridge pointed a black handgun at officers and escaped.

Armed back-up and a dog handler arrived and Berridge was located in an outhouse with a firearm beside him.

Slater (below) was arrested later and the pair were charged.

Berridge admitted wounding with intent, possession of an imitation firearm, possession of a bladed weapon and dangerous driving.

Slater admitted wounding with intent and possession of a bladed weapon.

Det Con Mark Gaffney said: “Our thanks go to members of the public who provided a running commentary to the police, describing where the vehicle was going.

“This meant officers could be behind the vehicle and detain the suspect. Without members of the public getting involved, the results of this incident could have been very different.”

Mr Gaffney said the level of violence exerted during the incident had been “appalling” and the victim was making a full recovery.