A wanted appeal was put out for Jordan Shields before he was tracked down and arrested
A “callous” man, alongside two others, barged into another man’s home before throwing ammonia in the victim’s face, slashing him with a knife and stamping on him so hard his leg broke. Jordan Shields, 36, of South Back Lane, Bridlington, admitted aggravated burglary at Hull Crown Court after he “continued to deny any involvement in the incident right up until the last minute”.
Shields was convicted last week after being charged in February following reports that a man had been attacked in his own home on December 16 last year. On the day of the incident, Humberside Police say they received reports that three men had gained entry to a flat on Middle Street South, in Driffield, where a man was seriously assaulted causing significant injuries to his face, arms and leg.
An investigation was launched including reviewing CCTV footage, conducting house-to-house enquiries and gathering forensic evidence. Shields was identified from DNA left at the scene and a wanted appeal was launched in January.
However, it was two police officers who spotted him which led to his arrest in February. CCTV investigations also put him and the other two men at the scene, heading to and from the address around the time of the incident.
During a search of Shields’ home address, an empty bottle of household ammonia was also discovered having been hidden at the bottom of a wardrobe. Chemical testing was carried out, and this was confirmed to be a match for the liquid used in the attack.
While in custody, Shields answered no comment to all questions asked during interview and refused to admit any involvement in the attack. He was later charged with aggravated burglary and remanded into custody.
Two other men were also arrested in connection with the incident and have since been released with no further action.
Humberside Police Detective Inspector Tracy St Paul from Bridlington’s Criminal Investigation Department said: “Soon after the attack, Shields took to ground in an attempt to evade arrest, with callous disregard to the damage that he had inflicted on the man in his own home. He then continued to deny any involvement in the incident right up until the last minute where he eventually decided to plead guilty on day two of his planned trial due to the clear evidence stacked against him.
“Because of Shields’ actions that day, the victim was left defenceless, disorientated and requiring surgery on his leg, as well as sustaining significant damage to his eye. I’d like to commend the man for his patience throughout the entirety of the court proceedings and also advocate for the work of all officers involved in this investigation, including the two neighbourhood policing officers who helped further identify Shields after recognising his voice in the CCTV which ultimately led to him being charged.
“Violent crimes of any kind will not be tolerated, and we will continue to bring offenders to justice and ensure victims receive the support they need. We urge anyone with any concerns or information about crime in their community to come forward; speak to our officers when you see them out and about, report online or via our non-emergency number 101. Always call 999 in an emergency or if a crime is ongoing.”
Shields was remanded into custody and will be sentenced at Hull Crown Court on Monday, October 13.