Prolific shoplifter among criminals jailed in Norfolk

Kaine Bentley

Kaine Bentley has been jailed (Image: Norfolk Constabulary) Bentley, 27, was jailed for his part in an attempted robbery in which the victim was roused from his bed and struck in the face with a hammer.

He lived just a few doors down from his 56-year-old victim, who was virtually blind and used a mobility scooter.

The offence, on June 29, 2022, happened just a few months before Bentley, who has issues with drug addiction as well as his mental health, attacked his former partner in Yarmouth.

The court heard the woman suffered a suspected hairline fracture to her cheekbone after she was kicked and punched.

Bentley, formerly of Middlegate Road, Yarmouth, appeared at court on Friday after he admitted affray, attempted robbery, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and criminal damage.

He was handed an extended 11-year sentence, made up of seven-and-a-half years custody and three-and-a-half years on licence.

Jamie McNeilly

Jamie McNeilly pictured in 2018 when he was jailed for his part in a robbery and carjacking (Image: Norfolk Constabulary) McNeilly, 44, a prolific shoplifter, was jailed for fraudulently using a bank card belonging to a blind man.

Norwich Magistrates’ Court was told a Norwich disabled couple had been left feeling “vulnerable and violated” after thieves knocked on their door trying to sell them stolen meat before stealing the bank card.

McNeilly, of Millers Lane in Norwich, admitted to using the card but claimed he had bought it from another man who was behind its theft six days earlier.

He was jailed for 22 weeks after also pleading guilty to 17 offences including multiple shop thefts and assaults on store staff.

He was also ordered to pay compensation totalling £300 to two store workers who he assaulted and made the subject of a five-year order banning him from all Co-Op stores in Norfolk.

Danny Whymark

Danny Whymark was jailed for 27 months  (Image: Norfolk Police) A man drove his car at people outside a pub, hitting one, after his girlfriend was assaulted inside, a court has heard.

Danny Whymark, 30, had been drinking at the Cherry Tree pub in Costessey with his partner when the initial assault happened.

Norwich Crown Court heard Whymark "drove at the door" of the pub and then "drove at" one man who ended up on the bonnet of the car before "falling to the floor".

He was arrested soon after but refused to provide a specimen of breath to police.

Whymark, from Elmham Drive, Nacton, Ipswich, admitted dangerous driving and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

He also admitted failing to provide a specimen of breath and failing to stop after an accident.

Jailing him for a total of 27 months Recorder Nicola Fitches said it was "pure luck no-one was killed or very seriously injured" as a result.

Michael Semedo

Michael Semedo was jailed for three years (Image: Norfolk Police) A man caught red-handed selling drugs by undercover police officers was doing so to help pay fines imposed for previous offences, a court was told.

Michael Semedo, 29, was spotted by officers interacting with addicts in Sackville Close, Great Yarmouth, in a known hotspot for drug dealing.

Norwich Crown Court heard that as police approached Semedo he ran, prompting a pursuit during which he "discarded something from his pocket".

Oliver Haswell, prosecuting, said when stopped Semedo was found "with a number of wraps" of controlled drugs as well as £160 in cash.

The court was told Semedo had been selling drugs to "earn cash to pay off the debt".

Semedo, of Devonshire Road, Yarmouth, admitted possession with intent to supply heroin and cocaine.

Jailing him for a total of three years, Judge Andrew Shaw said he was caught "red-handed" with "a substantial quantity of cocaine and heroin".