Men in balaclavas who broke into Blackpool home with knuckleduster in broad daylight and robbed owner jailed
“They used violence against a man in his own home – a place where he should have felt safe.
Two men who burst their way into a house in Blackpool and robbed the homeowner of his mobile phone, have been jailed.
Paul Judson-Jones and Michael Johnson were wearing balaclavas when they carried out the robbery at an address on Airedale Avenue, Blackpool, on 19th November last year. Around 11am the pair tried the door handle of the house.
The noise attracted the attention of the homeowner – a man in his 40s – who went to check who was at the door. When he opened the door, he saw two men outside wearing balaclavas. He tried to shut the door and lock it, but they forced their way in.
As the victim tried to grab his phone to call the police, Judson-Jones struck him twice on the head with a knuckleduster. He was pinned down and the pair stole his phone. He suffered a large cut to his head and a cut elbow.
Following enquiries by Lancashire Police detectives, Johnson was arrested in Blackpool two days later. At the time, he was unlawfully at large from prison having been on temporary day release.
Judson-Jones was arrested in February this year following a police appeal on social media. This week (30th June), Judson-Jones, 39, of Park Road, Blackpool, and Johnson, 34, of Dewhurst Avenue, Blackpool, appeared for sentence at Preston Crown Court.
Both men pleaded guilty to a charge of robbery, with Johnson also admitting being unlawfully at large from prison. Judson-Jones was given a nine-year sentence, comprising six years imprisonment and three years extended licence. Johnson got eight years and eight months, comprising five years and eight months imprisonment and three years extended licence.
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Detective Constable Kelly Siddons of Blackpool CID, said: “Judson-Jones and Johnson used violence against a man in his own home – a place where he should have felt safe.
“The victim was assaulted with a knuckleduster and suffered an injury as a result.
“I welcome the lengthy prison sentences imposed by the judge, the sentences highlighting that offences of violence will not be tolerated.”