Getaway driver jailed after knife and axe wielding robbers attack couple in own home

Conor Stanhope, 23, of Holmsley Walk, Woodlesford, drove a group of people to a property in Oldfield Street, Wortley on August 13, 2020.

Once there, members of the group broke into the home armed with weapons including knives and an axe, Leeds Crown Court heard on Monday, November 22.

Stanhope remained outside and did not enter the house, the court heard.

A man and woman, who had been watching TV in the living room, were attacked by the group.

The man, who had pushed his partner aside for her safety, received multiple injuries including a wound to his arm and lacerations to his stomach.

The gang then fled the scene.

Stanhope was later arrested.

Leeds Crown Court heard that Stanhope asked his girlfriend to provide him with an alibi but she later confessed to police that she had lied and Stanhope was arrested and remanded in custody.

He later pleaded guilty.

Mr Alex Menary, mitigating, said: “He has found being on remand a deeply unpleasant experience.

“It has been a very upsetting experience for him to be in an adult jail.

“He is someone who is easily led”.

Recorder Dapinder Singh QC sentenced Stanhope to five years imprisonment.

Recorder Singh told the court: “It has had a lasting effect [on the victim].

“The complainant has trouble sleeping and cannot lift heavy things. It has affected his day to day life, relationship and ability to go back to work.

“I accept that you thought you were going to get some cannabis and cocaine but you did not know the extent of what was going to happen in the house.”

Stanhope was jailed for four years, three months for robbery.

He was jailed for nine months for perverting the court of justice, to be served consecutively.

A restraining order banning him from contacting the victim was also put in place for 10 years.

A victim surcharge and a collection order was also made.