Man jailed after threatening rail staff with garden trowel - Sheffield

A man has been jailed for eight months and ordered to pay fines after wielding a garden trowel and threatening staff at Sheffield Station.

Gavin Perry, 38, and of no fixed address, was found guilty of one count of threatening someone with an offensive weapon at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court on 25 June. He was sentenced to eight months in prison, and ordered to pay £150 in compensation.

On Thursday 23 June 2022, Perry was stood near the entrance to Sheffield Railway Station around 6.20pm when a member of staff approached Perry to ask if he was okay, he responded by telling him to call the police and threatening him with the garden tool.

Two further members of rail staff came to assist but Perry continued to approach the member of the staff with the trowel. A member of the public witnessed the incident and called police, while Perry told him the situation didn’t concern him. Officers quickly arrived and arrested Gavin Perry and took him to custody.

Investigating officer PS Steve O'Callaghan said "I am pleased the quick action and work from our officers and the rail staff that led to Perry’s arrest and jail sentence.

"This understandably would have been a frightening experience for a man who was simply doing his job – attempting to keep the peace and protect other passengers. The Station Supervisor and Security Guard did an exemplary job in keeping him somewhat calm prior to our attendance.

“You can report any crime discreetly by using our text number 61016 – save the number to your phone so it’s always there, just in case you ever need it.”