Sheffield purse-snatcher jailed after threatening passers by with a syringe and 'coronavirus' claims

Donovan Gaskin, who has previously been before the courts on 38 separate occasions charged with 99 offences, approached a middle-aged lady on Norfolk Row, Sheffield on 27 March, and asked for change.

He then snatched her purse and made off, but was rugby-tackled to the ground by a passing bus-driver.

Gaskin then threatened the bus-driver with a syringe and escaped, but was followed by a group of passers-by.

He threatened them in the same manner, making jabbing gestures and saying, “Leave me alone or I’ll stab you. I’ve got hepatitis, Corona and AIDS. I don’t care, I’ll stab you.”

He was jailed for three years eight months at Sheffield Crown Court today.

Jonathan Sharp, Principal Crown Advocate, CPS Yorkshire and Humberside said: “Gaskin acted in an unbelievably stupid and reckless manner. This incident took place on the fourth day of the country being locked down in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, when everyone had been alerted in the starkest terms to the danger posed by the virus.

“His actions put the public-spirited individuals who intervened in grave fear for their wellbeing. Let me be absolutely clear: the CPS will not hesitate to prosecute cases such as this, and I hope that whilst in prison, Gaskin will reflect on the folly of his behaviour.”