A Derby man convicted of snatching cash from another person at a cashpoint has been handed a suspended jail term after recent changes to sentencing guidance limited the court’s options.
Incident and conviction
The offence took place on 29 December on Osmaston Road, Derby, when the defendant engaged the victim in conversation while the victim was withdrawing money. The court heard the pair were known to each other.
The defendant, identified in court as Adam Bell, 29, pushed the man as the cash emerged from the machine, said he was going to take the notes and ran off with them. Bell pleaded guilty to robbery.
Sentence constrained by law change
At Derby Crown Court Judge Shaun Smith KC said recent amendments to the Sentencing Act left him with limited discretion. The starting point for an offence of this type was a 12‑month sentence and, after allowing full credit for the plea, the sentence remained at 12 months.
“The question here is can the sentence be suspended and the answer to that is ‘yes’.”
Under guidance introduced in March, any custodial term of 12 months or less must ordinarily be suspended unless exceptional circumstances exist, the judge explained. As a result, Bell’s sentence was suspended for 12 months and he was ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work.
Defendant’s background and court remarks
Prosecuting counsel Alex Wolfson told the court the victim had been speaking with the defendant about Christmas and the New Year before the assault. The court record shows Bell has a substantial criminal history: 14 previous convictions for 21 offences, including burglary, theft and stealing from an employer.
The judge also ordered Bell to pay compensation to the victim and noted he had seen the defendant’s benefit payments and believed Bell had funds available to satisfy the award.
Local implications
The outcome highlights how recent national sentencing changes can affect local case outcomes, even where defendants have significant previous convictions. For residents concerned about street robbery and cashpoint safety, the ruling illustrates the balance courts must strike between punishment and statutory guidance.
- Offence: Robbery at Osmaston Road cashpoint
- Defendant: Adam Bell, 29, of Uttoxeter New Road
- Previous convictions: 14 convictions for 21 offences
- Sentence: 12 months suspended for 12 months; 200 hours unpaid work; compensation ordered
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date of offence | 29 December |
| Court | Derby Crown Court |
| Sentence | 12 months suspended; 200 hours unpaid work |
Anyone who uses cashpoints is advised to remain vigilant: be aware of surroundings, shield PINs and, where possible, avoid using ATMs alone at quiet times. Changes to sentencing practice are a matter for Parliament and the Sentencing Council; local courts apply the law and guidance currently in force.
