Four Telford men jailed for 30 years after terrifying hammer attack burglary

Justin Kitson was woken by the "massive smash" of a gas bottle being hurled through one of his living room windows in the early hours at the remote 60-acre Redhill Stud Farm in Sherrifhales, near Shifnal.

He got out of bed to investigate and was attacked by a masked man wielding a hammer, Shrewsbury Crown Court heard. Miss Samantha Powis, prosecuting, said Mr Kitson's partner Stacey Hancox ran to see what was happening and was also attacked.

The court heard the men eventually fled and the couple's two children, whose bedroom was in an adjoining caravan, told police they saw four men run off.

Nothing was taken but Mr Kitson was left with cuts and bruises, including a two-inch gash to his head which required 15 stitches.

Craig Forrest, 37, of Church Parade, Oakengates, Telford; Jones, 31, of Freeston Avenue, St Georges, Telford; Nevin, 32, of Westmoreland Mews, Leegomery, Telford; and Elliot, 31, of Smallhill Road, Lawley Village, Telford; all admitted charges of burglary with intent to steal and assault.

The four men were stopped by police on the slip road to junction 6 of the M54 a short time after the burglary on July 1, the court was told.

Miss Powis said a clawhammer and knives were found in the car, which had also set off ANPR technology in Albrighton at 1.20am.

Judge Peter Barrie sentenced Forrest to eight years in prison and Jones, Nevin and Elliot to seven-and-a-half years each.

He said the men had pleaded guilty on the basis of joint responsibility and it "mattered not" who had attacked Mr Kitson.

He said: "You clearly targeted this remote house, occupied by a family known to you, Forrest, as an object for burglary. "Whether it was to look for drugs, money or valuables it matters not.

"You clearly equipped yourselves such as to be able to attack it.

"You went armed with a hammer and a knife. You threw a gas bottle through the window to gain access to it.

"You went to clearly avoid detection with gloves and hats to protect yourselves from being identified in the course of it. You took a car that belonged to somebody else.

"You went to this property, isolated, in the middle of the country, at 1am when everybody would be asleep.

"You had not the slightest reason to think it would be unoccupied.

"This must have been a terrifying experience for the householders, concerned not only for themselves but also for their young children. You got in a fight with both of them and it matters not which of you actually wielded the blows.

"Mr Kitson came away with two serious wounds to his head. It was a sustained attack with use of weapons which resulted in significant injuries."

Mr Paul Smith, for Forrest, said his client had shown regret and remorse for his part in the burglary.

He said he was a "family man" and his actions would hit his family hard, particularly his son who "missed him dearly".

Mr Brendan Reedy, for Nevin, said his client was fully aware he would be facing a long custodial sentence and intended to use it in a productive way.

Mr John Ashmore, for Elliot, said he was also a family man with two children, one of whom was just six weeks old.

He told the court Elliot's partner had been struggling financially since his arrest and had fallen into rent arrears.

Mr Duncan Craig, for Jones, conceded that although his client had a lengthy list of past convictions for burglary, he was not a violent man.

Police welcomed the sentences handed out.

Detective Sergeant Nicola Roberts, of West Mercia Police, said the memories of the attack would live with the couple forever.

Speaking after the sentencing, she said: "This burglary was a horrific and terrifying attack which the victims had to endure, and an experience that no one should ever have to go through.

"Considering their physical scars healed with a few months, the mental scars will be with them for a lifetime, so the sentencing today is appropriate.

"I hope it sends a clear message to others involved in this type of crime that we remain ever vigilant and committed to bringing offenders to justice.

"Burglary remains a top priority for West Mercia Police. We take it very seriously and will always seek to put offenders before the courts."