Faces of the Sheffield father-and-son who 'tied up and robbed' terrified man in his home
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Sheffield Crown Court heard on April 21 how Alan Kitchen, 53, of Raisen Hall Road, Longley, Sheffield, and his son Lee Kitchen, 31, of Wheldrake Road, Fir Vale, Sheffield, pretended to be returning owed money to the victim before they entered his flat and robbed him.
Louise Gallagher, prosecuting, said the complainant returned about 5.15pm, on January 14, and saw the two defendants outside his flat and Lee Kitchen told him he had money he owed him.
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Hide AdMs Gallagher added the defendants were allowed into the complainant’s home.
She said: “Lee Kitchen turned to the complainant, grabbed both his wrists in one hand and pulled them together and said we are here to rob you. And Alan Kitchen said get that rope and Lee Kitchen tied his hands together.”
Ms Gallagher said as Lee Kitchen tried to take a key from the complainant Alan Kitchen struck a glancing blow to the victim with his fist and took the key.
Lee Kitchen removed the complainant’s watch, according to Ms Gallagher, and Alan Kitchen threatened the victim saying if he moved they would stab him but no knife was seen.
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Hide AdMiss Gallagher said Alan Kitchen rifled through an airing cupboard and drawers and they stole over £1,000 of goods including a mobile phone, BB guns, watches, an Xbox, cash and clothing.
Lee Kitchen took a wallet and both defendants demanded a pin number for his bank card before they locked him in the flat, according to Ms Gallagher, but he used a spare key to get free and alerted a neighbour and police.
The victim stated he had felt “frightened to death”.
Alan Kitchen and Lee Kitchen, who both have previous convictions, pleaded guilty to the robbery.
Andrew Smith, defending, said Lee Kitchen is not a hardened criminal and committed the offence in drink and is sorry.
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Hide AdTim Gaubert, defending, said Alan Kitchen was homeless and suffering with mental and physical health problems and drug issues.
Judge Graham Reeds QC sentenced Alan Kitchen to 27-months of custody and Lee Kitchen to three-years of custody.