Two gunmen have been jailed for over a decade for multiple firearm offences following an investigation into shootings in Rotherham
Joshua Stevens and Luke Rushforth were arrested in the early hours of 12 May 2025 following a 999 call reporting a firearms discharge at an address in Maltby on 11 May.
The pair attempted to evade capture but were swiftly apprehended by officers following enquiries on the ground and in the air, with the police helicopter tracking their movements.
After their arrest, officers recovered discarded pieces of clothing, including a balaclava and black jumper. This matched what Stevens and Rushforth were seen wearing in CCTV footage obtained from near the scene of the shooting.
Following extensive searches an officer also located a firearm in hedgerow in Maltby, with forensic analysis confirming that it had been discharged as part of this incident.
A search of the property where Stevens was arrested led to the seizure of 52 shotgun cartridges, which were found in a plastic bag in a cupboard.
Stevens, 36, of Kingsbrook Close, and Rushforth, 24, of no fixed abode, were subsequently charged with several firearms offences.
They pleaded guilty to all offences and yesterday (22 January), the pair were sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court.
Stevens admitted four counts relating to possession of a firearm and three counts of possessing ammunition.
He was jailed for six years with an extended license period of two years.
Rushforth was given a five-year prison sentence for three counts of possessing a firearm and two counts of possessing ammunition.
Detective Constable Hannah Bryan, who was the officer in charge of this case, said:
“Stevens and Rushforth set out that night with complete disregard for the harm and terror they threatened to inflict on a local community.
“Gun crime puts innocent members of the public at risk, and Stevens and Rushforth showed absolutely no thought or care for anyone’s safety.
“A swift response and investigation ensured they were arrested before they could evade capture or cause any more harm and I am pleased significant custodial sentences have been given by the court.
“Gun crime has absolutely no place in South Yorkshire. We will robustly deal with anyone threatening the safety of our communities through this callous criminality and if you are involved in crime associated with illegal firearms, we will bring you to justice.”
