Four years in jail for man who robbed friend and kicked him in face

Daniel Crotty and an accomplice attacked vulnerable Phillip Mills from behind in the street after they had all been drinking at a New Year party in Bradford on January 3 this year.

Crotty, who had recently lost his job, made off with Mr Mills' wages, although he would gladly have loaned him money if he needed it, Bradford Crown Court heard.

Crotty, 29, of Reevy Crescent, Buttershaw, Bradford, was convicted yesterday by a 10-2 majority jury verdict of robbing Mr Mills.

The court heard he had previous convictions for aggravated vehicle taking, theft from the person, battery, causing actual bodily harm and criminal damage.

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In a statement to the court, Mr Mills said he had lost his trust in people after he was robbed by the friend he grew up with.

He now suffered panic attacks and sleeplessness and he no longer wanted to socialise because he was always looking over his shoulder.

Mr Mills said he did not understand why Crotty, the friend he had helped out financially in the past, would want to do this to him.

The trial heard that Mr Mills had been drinking and was walking towards Halifax Road at 1am when he was set upon.

He told how he was booted in the face by a man he recognised as Crotty.

Maria Temko, Crotty's lawyer, said he was the father of two children and would be missed by his partner while he was in prison.

This was his first conviction for an offence of robbery.

Judge Jonathan Durham Hall QC said it was a pre-planned offence at night on a vulnerable man who had been drinking.

Crotty and his accomplice, who was not before the court, knew Mr Mills had just been paid and had money on him.

"You and another man from the party decided to rob him - your friend who would have given you money," the judge said.

"You attacked him from behind, kicked him in the face, took his money and walked off laughing.

"You showed no shame, no remorse about this attack on your friend."