Judge abused as dealers sentenced in Sheffield
A senior police officer has said the streets of Sheffield were safer after dozens of people arrested for drugs and gang crime were sentenced at court.
Judge Alan Goldsack was verbally abused as he sentenced some of the defendants at the city's crown court to jail or time in young offenders' institutions.
A total of 27 people were sentenced on Wednesday, some under the age of 18.
There was extra security in the court and three people were arrested for public order offences in the court.
Defendants were given sentences ranging from six months to six years.
Others were handed community orders or youth rehabilitation orders.
'Very strong message'
Supt Peter Norman, of South Yorkshire Police, said the force was committed to curbing gang and drug crime in the county.
After the sentencing, he said: "It's important that there is a strong deterrent to any young person who thinks drug dealing is a quick way to earn money.
"The fact that young people - teenagers - have been sentenced to terms of imprisonment should send out a very strong message."
Mr Norman said officers had acted after being hearing from young people in the city they did not feel safe and there had been instances of violent crime.
Dozens of people were arrested across the city during a major police operation in January.