‘Yellow Boat Man’ ends up in the dock for robbing boy, 16
A HOMELESS man who lived in a boat he dragged around with him to spread his anti-crime message has been told to “put his money where his mouth is” after he was spared prison for robbing a teenager of a bike.
Known as “Yellow Boat Man”, Tiggz Dat Author – previously known as Stephen Bullock – has travelled from Nottingham to Derby trying to inspire children to stay away from crime and keep their lives on track.
But he found himself in Nottingham Crown Court yesterday after pleading guilty to robbery.
The incident occurred on October 19, 2019, in Aspley, when his victim was riding his grandfather’s electric bicycle.
After stopping outside a shop, the boy, 16, was approached by Tiggz, who claimed it was his bicycle, the court heard.
Stuart Pattinson, prosecuting, said: “He shouted ‘do you want me to bang you in your face?’
“The shop had CCTV inside which captured the incident unfold.”
When Tiggz, 34, of no fixed address, was shown the footage in court, he told the judge: “Looking back on it, I could have done things a lot differently. I apologise for that.”
The court heard a statement from the victim, who said he needed counselling after what happened.
He said: “I’ve become really depressed after what happened. I have got some professional help because of it. I now feel very scared when out in public.
“I don’t like going out on my own - I don’t even like going out on my bike any more. I was a confident person before all of this
CAMPAIGNER WHO AIMED TO ‘SPREAD POSITIVE MESSAGE’ TO YOUNGSTERS IS SPARED JAIL
happened, I now feel like my confidence has taken a real knock.” After being told he faced a custodial sentence for his actions, Tiggz was handed a 24-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, as well as 150 hours of unpaid work, 20 rehabilitation days and a victim surcharge. Sentencing him, Judge Warburton QC said: “For someone who has told this court he wishes to help young people and encourage them away from a life of crime, you ought to think about these things carefully. You should understand this is a very serious offence.
“I am giving you a chance to see whether or not you can stay out of trouble. The choice is going to be yours. It’s time for you to put your money where your mouth is.”
Reasons for reducing the sentence were given with the offence being more than two years old, as well as other mitigating circumstances such as no other serious offences being committed since the incident and his difficult upbringing.
Tiggz has 29 other convictions for 59 offences during his life. However, he said he has got life back on track, and just wants a home in time for Christmas.
Speaking outside court, Tiggz said: “I just want to positively contribute to society – that’s all I want to do. Everything that I have learnt, all the lessons I have learnt throughout my life, I just want to be able to give back to my community and deter people from a life of crime.”
Looking back on it, I could have done things a lot differently. I apologise for that.
Tiggz Dat Author