Violent robber targeted women in their own homes

Ryan Surtees was told he must service at least eight years in prison before being considered for parole

A robber who had no reservations about using "serious, significant and frightening violence" as he attacked two lone women in their homes has been jailed.

Ryan Surtees, 28, admitted three robbery offences and two assault charges relating to a series of incidents in Bradford between 10 September 2024 and 4 November 2024.

Judge Colin Burn said he had to be dealt with as a dangerous man and jailed him for 12 years at Bradford Crown Court.

Surtees, of no fixed abode, was told he would have to serve at least eight years before being considered for parole and the judge also imposed an extended licence period of four years.

Judge Burn said all of the offending was serious, but some of the incidents could be described as "gravely serious".

"You Mr Surtees, it seems to me, had absolutely no reservation in using serious, significant and frightening violence to achieve your aims in these offences," he said.

Prosecutor Gareth Henderson-Moore outlined details of a spate of offences committed by Surtees last year.

He said Surtees smashed a window in the ground floor flat of his first victim and broke into the property while she was asleep in bed.

Mr Henderson-Moore said Surtees used his body to pin the woman down and told her: "Give me your phone or I will stab you."

Surtees also demanded the PIN for her bank card and Mr Henderson-Moore said the terrified woman gave him the details.

The court heard that Surtees then went on to assault a man in his home and later returned to that property to rob him of his phone.

'Horrendous episode'

A few days later he carried out another attack on a lone woman.

Judge Burn said Surtees had followed the victim to her home and then pushed her into the property from behind.

The victim was pushed against a wall and strangled before managing to flee upstairs with Surtees chasing after her.

The judge said Surtees grabbed her by the throat again and made threats after producing a knife.

Surtees demanded her phone and purse and ripped her bag from her arms before stealing the items.

Judge Burn said that robbery had been an "horrendous, violent and intimidating episode" for his victim.

He said the crime had been "one of the worst nightmares" for a female complainant.

Surtees had previous convictions for robbery and grievous bodily harm with intent.

His barrister, Gerald Hendron, said the offending had taken place over a six-week period and Surtees' previous offending had the classic hallmarks of a drug addict.

Mr Hendron said his client had had a difficult upbringing and there was evidence in the background of an unstable personality disorder and complex PTSD.

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