Four Men Jailed for Over 30 Years Each in Doncaster Cannabis Factory Shooting

Four men from Rotherham have been sentenced to more than 30 years in prison each for a violent attack on two men in Doncaster in August 2021. The incident occurred when the group attempted to rob what they believed was a cannabis factory, opening fire and stabbing their victims.

Paul Oates, 40, received a 32-year sentence, while Callum Rogers, 27, Oliver Jebson, 28, and Samuel Jebson, 25, were each jailed for 31 years. All four were convicted of two counts of attempted murder and one count of conspiracy to possess a firearm with intent to endanger life following a trial at Sheffield Crown Court.

Attack on Bentley Road, Doncaster

On 18 August 2021, the defendants travelled from Rotherham to Bentley Road in Doncaster armed with a semi-automatic pistol and a knife. They opened fire on two men, one of whom suffered both gunshot and knife wounds. The other victim narrowly escaped serious injury.

Judge Jeremy Richardson KC stated during sentencing that it was “impossible” to determine which defendant fired the gun or wielded the knife. However, he emphasized that the jury and court were certain each man knew about the weapons and intended for “either or both to be used to injure or kill.”

Joint Enterprise and Lack of Truthfulness

The judge described the attack as a joint enterprise, noting that all four participants shared the intention to cause serious harm. He criticized the defendants for offering no evidence during the trial and failing to tell the truth, adding: “None of you gave any evidence at trial, none of you has told the truth.”

After the attack, the group returned to Rotherham, changed their clothes, and disposed of the Nissan X-Trail they had used to travel to the scene.

Mistaken Identity in Cannabis Factory Raid

The court heard that the defendants had “mistakenly” believed the two victims were involved in the cannabis factory they intended to rob. Judge Richardson said the men had “harboured” a willingness to use their weapons if “trouble” arose during the planned robbery.

He described the incident as a “horrific attack” driven by a readiness to use lethal force.

Official Response and Public Safety

South Yorkshire Police confirmed the arrests and subsequent convictions as part of their efforts to tackle serious organized crime. The case highlights the dangers associated with illegal drug operations and the extreme violence sometimes linked to attempts to target such operations.

The sentences reflect the severity of the crime and the court’s view that the defendants posed a significant ongoing threat to public safety.

Key Takeaways

• Four men from Rotherham were jailed for over 30 years each for a shooting and stabbing attack in Doncaster in August 2021.
• Paul Oates received 32 years. the others each received 31 years.
• All were convicted of attempted murder and conspiracy to possess a firearm.
• The attack occurred during an attempted robbery of a suspected cannabis factory.
• The victims were mistakenly believed to be connected to the factory.
• The judge emphasized the joint intent to kill or cause serious injury.
• No defendant gave evidence or told the truth during the trial.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where did the attack accept place?
   The attack occurred on Bentley Road in Doncaster on 18 August 2021.
2. What weapons were used in the attack?
   The defendants used a semi-automatic pistol and a knife during the incident.
3. Why did the men target the victims?
   They mistakenly believed the victims were involved in a cannabis factory they intended to rob.
4. What were the charges and sentences?
   Each man was convicted of two counts of attempted murder and one count of conspiracy to possess a firearm with intent to endanger life. Paul Oates was sentenced to 32 years; the others received 31 years each.
5. Did any of the defendants testify or admit guilt?
   No. The judge noted that none of the defendants gave evidence at trial or told the truth.