Taxi and takeaway delivery drivers targeted by robbers in Thurnscoe

Two men, including a teenager, have been remanded in custody having denied two incidents of robbery in Thurnscoe earlier this week.

Tyson Wardle, (32), of Church Street, Barnsley, and a 15-year-old boy also from the town who cannot be named for legal reasons, each denied two charges of robbery yesterday (Thursday, February 24) at Barnsley Magistrates Court, relating to incidents that took place on Sunday, February 20 and Monday, February 21.

A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Police said: “The first took place at about 9.15pm on Sunday night on Church Street in Thurnscoe.

“A taxi was ordered to an address on Church Street. After it arrived, the car was approached by three males, and it is claimed one of them held a knife to the throat of the driver and demanded he hand over the keys and leave the vehicle behind.

“The victim began to walk away, and it is alleged the vehicle drove up alongside him and the driver made threats to kill him before driving off.

“The second incident also took place on Church Street at about 8.30pm on Monday. This time, a takeaway delivery driver was delivering to a property on that street when the door was answered by a group of men, one of whom was carrying a knife.

“The group surrounded him, with one of them demanding his car key. The victim ran back to the car and entered it but he was followed into the car by two of the group. He was struck behind his right ear and pulled from the vehicle, ending up on the floor.

“The car was driven off and recovered at about 10.05pm in Mount Avenue in Great Houghton.

“Wardle and the 15-year-old have both been remanded in custody to face trial at a later date.”