A burglar and his teenage accomplice who forced their way into a pensioner’s house in Coventry have been jailed.
Shane Forshaw, 23, of Dillotford Avenue in Cheylsemore targeted an elderly man’s house on the evening of 23 July.
He, along with a 14-year-old boy who cannot be named for legal reasons pushed their way into the house in Coventry.
Armed with a knife they threatened the 80-year-old, but the plucky pensioner tried to fight them off and his shouts alerted a nearby neighbour who came to his aid.
The neighbour, knowing that the pensioner lived on his own heard raised voices and went to check on his welfare.
When he arrived at the house he saw the pensioner being attacked – he wrestled Forshaw to the ground and restrained him until police arrived.
Realising they had been caught in the act they both entered a guilty plea and were sentenced at Leamington justice centre on Wednesday 29 October.
Forshaw was jailed for eight years and the teenager received an 18-month detention order.
Detective Constable Tonino Rossi, from the Major Investigation Team at Coventry, said: “The pair targeted a house where they thought the man would be vulnerable and compliant and didn’t expect him to fight back.
“They threatened the pensioner with a knife and in the struggle he was injured and received a deep cut to his hand.
“It is fortunate that he was not more seriously hurt and I commend his brave actions. He managed to shout for help and a neighbour was quickly on the scene.
“The neighbour’s quick thinking and heroic actions ensured that these two were caught and brought to justice and this proves what a tight and thoughtful community they all live in.
“We are really pleased with this sentence and Forshaw will spend a long time behind bars.”