War hero, 89, scared out of home by drug addict's knife robbery

Jan 14 2009 by Andrew Hirst, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

The judge said Steadman returned to his 89-year-old victim three times having decided it was easy pickings. He had turned the man’s life “upside down”.

Mr Ahmed said Steadman also robbed a 66-year-old woman in her home on June 20 after forcing her door. He stole £110 after threatening to stab her and her dog.

On June 22, he jumped into a couple’s car in traffic at Longroyd Lane, Longroyd Bridge, and demanded money after holding a knife at the woman passenger’s throat. The victims were a 57-year-old woman and a 60-year-old man.

Her partner shouted for help and Steadman fled, but took the woman’s handbag as he left.

Nigel Hamilton, for Steadman, said his client now felt remorse for what he had done, but at the time the offences were committed he was suffering severe drug addiction and needed money to fund his habit.