Scarborough man jailed after threatening victim with knife during shed confrontation

In the early hours of 6 December 2025, police were called to Eden Drive, Scarborough, after two people were reported to have entered a garden shed without permission.

The court heard that at around 1.50am, the occupant was alerted by barking dogs and discovered intruders on the property.

Her husband went outside to confront them, at which point a woman exited the shed, followed by a man who was in possession of a knife.

The man made verbal threats, causing the victim to fear immediate violence and retreat to safety, the court heard.

The suspects then moved to the front of the property, where further threats to stab the victim were made.

During the incident, the male suspect also deliberately damaged a vehicle parked on the driveway, striking and scratching the rear passenger door.

Both suspects then fled the scene on foot.

Police quickly identified the pair as 37-year-old Scott Watson and his co-defendant, 30-year-old Lauren Shimells, who were then arrested.

Both were initially charged with aggravated burglary and criminal damage.

However, at court, the charges were later amended to criminal damage and possession of a bladed article, with the aggravating factor that threats were made using the knife.

Both appeared at York Crown Court on May 19.

Watson, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to both offences.

Shimells, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to criminal damage on a joint enterprise basis, with the remaining offence left to lie on file.

The pair were sentenced on Tuesday (May 26) - with the fact they have both been on remand since December being taken into account.

Watson received a two-year custodial sentence, with his previous convictions for knife offences considered as an aggravating factor.

Shimells was sentenced to 28 days’ custody and released immediately due to time already served on remand.

Both were also handed five-year restraining orders.

Detective Constable Sam Rivers, of North Yorkshire Police’s Scarborough CID, said: “Knife crime isn’t clever, it isn’t impressive, and it is often a gateway to more serious offending.

“Let this be very clear: knife crime will not be tolerated. If you choose to carry a knife and threaten people with it, you shouldn’t be surprised when the next thing you pick up is a custodial sentence.

“Watson now has four convictions for knife-related offences, with his behaviour clearly escalating, I’m pleased that he is now behind bars where he can reflect on his actions.”