Derby cases include a 100mph chase, bomb threat, park assault, and attempted rape, resulting in significant jail terms.
Leonard David robbed a taxi driver using a knife and punched him after a chase in Derby city. David, 26, booked the cab, demanded money, and assaulted the driver, saying, “Do as I say, or I will kill you.” The taxi reached Sitwell Street, and David told the driver to stop and give him the keys.
He sped off in the car, and police tried to stop him on London Road. He drove through red lights at high speeds, reaching 100 mph. David admitted robbery, dangerous driving, and having a knife.
He received a six-year jail sentence and a six-year driving ban. PC Natalie Morton led the investigation, noting the severe impact on the driver.
Jayesh Thanki yelled about a bomb in Derby city center, and the court heard his case. He had been out of prison for just 15 days after committing a similar prior crime. He is 49 years old.
He stood at The Spot and shouted, drawing attention from passersby. A cleaner called the police, who arrested him nearby. He told them the same thing but claimed he said “bum”, not “bomb” in court; the jury didn’t believe him.
Judge Martin Hurst sentenced him to three years, stating that Thanki caused concern. The crime mimicked a past offense that forced a police station evacuation. The judge attributed his actions to housing issues and emphasized the need to avoid repeating the crime.
Al-Yassa Yusuf attacked his ex in a park in Long Eaton. The 33-year-old is now in custody. A couple heard the woman scream for help and witnessed the assault, intervening to stop it.
Yusuf held her throat with one hand while hitting her with the other. The witnesses stopped him; he then punched the male witness. Judge Steven Coupland sentenced him to 14 months.
The judge acknowledged Yusuf’s difficulties but said the woman wanted a public discussion. He attacked her regardless, strangling and hitting her. This did not excuse his violence. Yusuf pleaded guilty to strangulation, and the couple received awards for bravery.
Paul Jinks tried to rape a stranger, and had followed other women earlier. Chilling video footage played in court showed the victim begging him repeatedly to stop; the attack occurred in Long Eaton.
A couple heard her scream, went outside, and yelled. Jinks ran away from the scene, leaving blood on a bin. The blood matched what was on her dress, and he was arrested later at a site.
Judge Steven Coupland sentenced Jinks to over 14 years, describing the crime as “every woman’s nightmare.” Jinks followed and attacked her; her screams were heard down the street. The judge awarded the helping couple. Jinks pleaded guilty to attempted rape.
Waqar Lal raped a woman and tried to drop her charges, leading to a jail sentence of over 16 years. He subjected her to a violent attack in Derby in December 2023. He threatened her after the initial report, wanting her to drop the complaint.
She bravely reported the threats, leading to further charges. He was found guilty after a trial, convicted of rape and assault. He also tried to obstruct justice.
He is a registered sex offender and will spend a minimum of 11 years in prison.