Scott Watson and Lauren Shimells sentenced to jail time

Scott Watson, 37, and Lauren Shimells, 30 – both of no fixed address – were both sentenced at York Crown Court after an incident in Scarborough last year.

Both were initially charged with aggravated burglary and criminal damage, however, 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, said North Yorkshire Police.

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Watson pleaded guilty to both offences and Shimells pleaded guilty to criminal damage on a joint enterprise basis, with the remaining offence left to lie on file.

They were sentenced on Tuesday (May 26) with Watson receiving a two-year jail sentence, with his previous three 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.

The incident took place around 1.50am on December 6, 2025, when police were called to Eden Drive, Scarborough, after a man and a woman entered a garden shed without permission.

After hearing dogs barking, the resident discovered the intruders and sent her husband outside to confront them – who saw Shimells come out of the shed, followed by Watson carrying a knife.

Scott Watson has been jailed for two years (Image: North Yorkshire Police)

Watson then verbally threatened the man – who fled in fear – before the pair moved to the front of the property, making further threats to stab the victim and damaging a vehicle parked on the driveway, before running from the scene.

The pair were quickly identified before being arrested.

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.”