29/05/2026
“If you carry a knife, you shouldn’t be surprised when the next thing you pick up is a custodial sentence” ❌
A man from Scarborough has been jailed following a knife-related incident at a residential property.
In the early hours of 6 December 2025, police were called to Eden Drive, Scarborough, after two people were reported to have entered a garden shed without permission.
At around 1.50am, the occupant was alerted by barking dogs and discovered intruders on the property. Her husband went outside to confront them, at which point a woman exited the shed, followed by a man who was in possession of a knife.
The man made verbal threats, causing the victim to fear immediate violence and retreat to safety. The suspects then moved to the front of the property, where further threats to stab the victim were made.
During the incident, the male suspect also deliberately damaged a vehicle parked on the driveway, striking and scratching the rear passenger door. Both suspects then fled the scene on foot.
They were quickly identified as 37-year-old Scott Stephen Watson and his co-defendant, 30-year-old Lauren Shimells, the pair were swiftly arrested.
Detectives were able to present evidence to the CPS at an early stage, and due to strong digital evidence, both were initially charged with aggravated burglary and criminal damage.
However, at court, the charges were later amended to criminal damage and possession of a bladed article, with the aggravating factor that threats were made using the knife.
Both appeared at York Crown Court on 19 May. Watson, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to both offences. Shimells, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to criminal damage on a joint enterprise basis, with the remaining offence left to lie on file.
They were sentenced earlier this week (26 May), having both been on remand since December, which was taken into account.
Watson received a two-year custodial sentence, with his previous convictions for knife offences considered as an aggravating factor. Shimells was sentenced to 28 days’ custody and released immediately due to time already served on remand.
Both were also handed five-year restraining orders.
Detective Constable Sam Rivers, of North Yorkshire Police’s Scarborough CID, said:
“Knife crime isn’t clever, it isn’t impressive, and it is often a gateway to more serious offending.
“Let this be very clear: knife crime will not be tolerated. If you choose to carry a knife and threaten people with it, you shouldn’t be surprised when the next thing you pick up is a custodial sentence.
“Watson now has four convictions for knife-related offences, with his behaviour clearly escalating, I’m pleased that he is now behind bars where he can reflect on his actions.”
