On 11 June 2022, the victim, a man in his 50s, was lured into a flat on Market Street under the pretence that he would be repaid owed money.

Shortly after arriving at the flat, the three offenders subjected the victim to a sustained and brutal attack, stealing his wallet and mobile phone, and leaving him with serious facial injuries.

Those people were Paul Cook (left), 41, from Hednesford, his sister Dorothy Cook (right), 46, from Walsall, and Laura Bond (centre), 45, from Cannock. 

The victim managed to escape from the flat and was assisted by members of the public and an off-duty nurse.

Local officers soon arrived and arrested them. A search of the flat was carried out where the victim’s mobile phone and wallet were recovered.

All three appeared at Stafford Crown Court on Monday 30 October:

• Paul Cook was convicted of robbery and sentenced to three years and six months in prison
• Dorothy Cook was jailed for three years and six months after she was convicted of robbery
• Laura Bond pleaded guilty to robbery and was jailed for three years and four months

PC Darren Wilkes, who dealt with the case, said: “This type of sustained, unprovoked and brutal attack is not common in Hednesford and I’m happy that we’ve been able to secure justice.

I would like to thank the victim, who, despite being involved in such a distressing crime, had the courage to attend court on several occasions.

“I would also like to thank the local community who bravely came to the victim’s assistance and helped us in our efforts to bring all three offenders before the courts.”