BARNSLEY MAN WITH PTSD GETS SUSPENDED SENTENCE FOR STALKING, BURGLARY, AND PUBLIC THREATS
A talented taxi driver acted heroically to prevent a woman from her husband, who was armed with a hammer and hiding in her garden, from attacking her.Richard Boyers was concealed in the bushes of his estranged wife's garden as she made her way home after a night out.
Sheffield Crown Court was told on Tuesday that Boyers was currently on bail for events involving harassment and property damage to his wife, and that he had left her a voicemail earlier that evening, indicating he was aware she was out.
Prosecutor Stephanie Hollis told the court: "On April 27th, she received a voicemail from the defendant.
He had called her on a private number, despite her blocking his contact, and the message included a comment about her going out, hinting he had been to her address." The woman was returning home at approximately 1:30 a.m.
via taxi, and she confided in the driver about her fears, asking him to wait until she was safely inside her home.
As she stepped out of the cab, she was faced by Boyers, which led her to re-enter the vehicle.
A statement from the taxi driver, summarized during proceedings, indicated that Boyers was wielding an 'old' hammer as he approached his wife.
Ms Hollis stated: "The driver locked the doors and drove off quickly.
He then stopped nearby to call emergency services." Police attendance at the address found Boyers' car parked outside, though officers were not yet on scene.
The court details continued: "The taxi driver drove away from the scene, with Boyers following at high speed in his own vehicle.
The driver contacted police, fearing Boyers might hit the taxi, and he maneuvered around a roundabout multiple times trying to escape, eventually succeeding when Boyers drove off." The woman described feeling terrified, crying, and shaking, as she recounted receiving several calls from a private number and eight distressing voicemails from Boyers.
In these messages, he expressed remorse, asked to speak with her, and revealed suicidal thoughts, saying he did not want to live anymore.
Police found that the house's external electrical box had been interfered with, and the premises were dark.
Boyers was later arrested, and inside his vehicle, police found jewelry and perfume belonging to the woman, stolen while he was on bail.
It was established that Boyers had been allowed into the house by their daughter during April 7–28, during which the stolen items were taken.
The defendant, from Bakewell Close, Barnsley, admitted charges of burglary and stalking with a fear of violence.
His only prior convictions related to driving offenses from two decades earlier.
During sentencing, lawyer James Burley noted Boyers' history of trauma, including witnessing his brother's suicide, military trauma, and his wife’s severe health issues.
A psychiatric report suggested the possibility of PTSD, partly explaining his behavior.
Burley described Boyers as committed to change, having completed a rehabilitative course, securing future employment, and helping fellow inmates as a trusted prisoner support role.
He emphasized Boyers' remorse and his understanding that he needed help.
The court sentenced Boyers, aged 46, to 16 months in prison, suspended for 18 months.
Additional requirements included mental health treatment, participation in rehabilitative programs, and 200 hours of community service.
The victim supported his efforts to seek help.
