'Violent' burglar who assaulted man with metal spade is jailed

Paul Anthony Varley carried out the violent attack after breaking into the wrong house in search of drugs, South Yorkshire Police said.

The 54-year-old, formerly of Doncaster, was sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court on Friday after being found guilty of aggravated burglary.

Jurors had heard how Varley and an unidentified man broke into the house in Rands Lane, Armthorpe, on the afternoon of January 21, 2016.

Varley was carrying a spade and used it to assault the man who lived there when he approached them.

The victim suffered minor injuries after being hit over the head with the spade.

PC Andrew Jones, the investigating officer, said: “Varley denied any involvement in this incident but through forensic work, we were able to identify him.

“We believe Varley and his accomplice were looking for drugs at the house, however this was a case of mistaken identity and instead they targeted the wrong house, injuring the occupant and leaving the family scared to be in their own home.

“This was a violent, unprovoked attack on an innocent family. I’m pleased that we were able to identify and arrest Varley quickly and that he is now behind bars for his actions.”