Gunmen showed 'complete disregard' for community

Two men have been jailed following an investigation into firearms discharges in South Yorkshire.

Luke Rushforth and Joshua Stevens were arrested on 12 May after reports of shots being fired during a series of incidents in Maltby the previous night.

South Yorkshire Police said Rushforth, 24, of no fixed abode, and Stevens, 36, of Kingsbrook Close, were jailed on Thursday after pleading guilty to offences possession of a firearm and possessing ammunition.

Det Con Hannah Bryan said: "Gun crime puts innocent members of the public at risk, and Stevens and Rushforth showed absolutely no thought or care for anyone's safety."

Speaking in May, South Yorkshire Police said officers had been called to an address in Highfield Park, Maltby, just after 22:45 BST, to reports of a person making threats with a firearm.

An hour later armed officers were called to a second firearms discharge on nearby Hayhurst Crescent, with no injuries reported.

Officers investigating the incident later found a balaclava and black jumper, matching what Rushforth and Stevens were seen wearing in CCTV footage, and a firearm hidden in a hedgerow.

Rushforth was jailed for five years after admitting three counts of possessing a firearm - one with intent to cause fear or violence - and two counts of possessing ammunition.

Stevens was jailed for six years with an extended licence period of two years after admitting four counts of having a firearm - again, one with intent to cause fear or violence - and three counts of having ammunition.

Bryan added: "A swift response and investigation ensured they were arrested before they could evade capture or cause any more harm and I am pleased significant custodial sentences have been given by the court."

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