Robbers tied up and threatened victim in Leeds home

Benjamin Wooton, Gili O’Connell and Daniel Harrison were among five men in balaclavas who turned up at the victim’s home during the early hours of August 14 last year.

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They forced their way into the man’s house in Gledhow, beat him and tied his wrists with the cable from a lamp. One man produced a knife, before they demanded the man’s bank card and PIN number.

Three of the group, including Wooton and O’Connell, went to a cashpoint and took out money. They then went to a BP garage where they met Lee Ramsden, who agreed to use the stolen card to buy items totalling £65.

Back at the house, Harrison and the fifth man ransacked the property, drank the victim’s vodka and put items into bags before calling a taxi.

When the victim was found wandering the streets barefoot hours later, police went to the house. Harrison was found asleep and lied about his identity, claiming to be the victim.

Sentencing the men at Leeds Crown Court, Judge Sally Cahill QC said: “This robbery was a truly horrendous offence. The impact on [your victim] has been enormous.”

Wooton, 34, and Harrison, 31, both of Elmete way, Oakwood, were jailed for 12 years after admitting robbery, and O’Connell, also of Elmete Way, received 10 years and six months after admitting the same offence. Charges of fraud and false imprisonment will lie on each of their files.

Ramsden, 39, of Foundry Approach, Harehills, received an eight-month jail term after admitting fraud.

The court heard he had served four months on remand so would be released on licence soon.