February saw significant jail sentences for crimes including robbery, threats, and violent assaults in Derby.
Leonard David robbed a taxi driver. He used a knife. He punched the driver after a chase. It happened in Derby city. David, 26, booked the cab, demanded money, and assaulted the driver. “Do as I say, or I will kill you,” he said.
The taxi reached Sitwell Street. David told the driver to stop and give him the keys. He sped off in the car. Police tried to stop him on London Road. He drove through red lights fast. Speeds reached 100 mph.
David admitted robbery and dangerous driving. He also admitted having a knife. He got six years in jail and cannot drive for six years. PC Natalie Morton led the investigation. The crime badly hurt the driver.
Jayesh Thanki yelled about a bomb. It happened in Derby city center. The court heard his case. He was out of prison just 15 days after a similar prior crime. He is 49 years old.
He stood at The Spot and shouted. People heard him, and a cleaner called the police. Police arrested him nearby. He told them the same thing. He said “bum,” not “bomb” in court, but the jury did not believe him.
Judge Martin Hurst sentenced him to three years. He said Thanki caused concern and mimicked a past offense. That prior event forced a police station to evacuate. His housing issues caused his actions, and he needs to avoid repeating this crime.
Al-Yassa Yusuf attacked his ex in a park in Long Eaton. He is 33 and now in custody. A couple heard the woman scream for help and stepped in, witnessing the assault.
Yusuf held her throat with one hand. He used the other hand to hit her. The witnesses stopped him. Then, he punched the male witness too. Judge Steven Coupland gave him 14 months.
The judge noted Yusuf’s difficulties but said this did not excuse the violence. The woman wanted a public discussion, but he attacked her anyway. He strangled and hit her. Yusuf pleaded guilty to strangulation, and the couple got awards for their bravery.
Paul Jinks tried to rape a stranger after following other women earlier. Video played in court was chilling. The victim begged him repeatedly to stop. The attack happened in Long Eaton.
A couple heard her scream. They went outside and yelled. Jinks ran away from the scene, leaving blood on a bin that matched what was on her dress. He was arrested later at a site.
Judge Steven Coupland sentenced Jinks to over 14 years. He called it every woman’s nightmare: Jinks followed and attacked her, and her screams were heard down the street. The judge awarded the couple for helping. Jinks pleaded guilty to attempted rape.
Waqar Lal raped a woman and tried to drop her charges. He was jailed for over 16 years. He subjected her to a violent attack in Derby in December 2023.
Lal threatened her after the report, wanting her to drop the complaint. She bravely reported the threats, and he was charged again. He was found guilty after a trial. He was convicted of rape and assault and tried to obstruct justice. He is a registered sex offender and will spend a minimum of 11 years in prison.