The attack happened on The Arcade on May 8.

Police described the robbery as "extremely distressing" for the victim, who was hit in the face and body and pulled to the ground before his mobile phone and a packet of cigarettes were stolen.

The incident was filmed and was shared widely on social media.

Four people have been jailed for the robbery of a 41-year-old man in Barnsley town centre (Photo: SYP)

Kieron Yates, 19, James Steven Upton, 25, Ryan Edward Houlston, 34, and Jodie Louise Heppenstall, 21, have been jailed following the incident.

PC Rosie O'Grady of South Yorkshire Police, the investigating officer, said: "This was a particularly shocking attack. The victim endured an extremely distressing and entirely unprovoked ordeal, all for a mobile phone and a packet of cigarettes.

"I'm very pleased with today's result, and for getting justice for the completely innocent victim.

"I hope it shows that such horrendous behaviour will not be tolerated in our community. The actions of Yates, Upton, Houlston and Heppenstall that day left local residents, and people across the country, horrified and I'm glad they have all quite rightly been handed custodial sentences."

All four defendants had previously pleaded guilty to robbery.

In addition, Heppenstall had also admitted common assault. They received their sentences today (Thursday, July 23) at Sheffield Crown Court.

Yates, of no fixed abode, was jailed for four years.

Upton, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to three years and nine months.

Houlston, formerly of Bank End Avenue, Barnsley, received a custodial sentence of three years and four months.

Heppenstall, formerly of Princess Street, Barnsley, will serve a three-year sentence.

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Four jailed for 'extremely distressing' VE Day robbery in Barnsley