A Birmingham man has been jailed for ten years after subjecting two Wolverhampton pensioners to a terrifying robbery at their home.
Police were called to the house, on Trysull Road, Merry Hill, in the early hours of Sunday 6 July after three men broke in through a bathroom window.
The robbers were disturbed when the 60-year-old homeowner got up at around 00.15am to visit the bathroom − which is when she made the shocking discovery that there were intruders in her home.
An investigation was immediately launched which led to the arrest of Handsworth man, Scientist Smile [pictured], in connection with the crime.
During her ordeal the woman was dragged around her house, as the intruders demanded gold and the location of a safe.
The woman’s 68-year-old husband, who had been asleep in bed, was then woken by a man punching him to the face.
The couple were threatened with a machete before eventually fleeing with just £100, bank cards and a mobile phone.
DC Nick Taylor, from Wolverhampton CID, investigated the raid. He said: “This was a violent and terrifying attack on a couple in their own home.
“Both the occupants of the house were assaulted as their attackers clearly believed there were items of significant value inside the house but ultimately fled with very little.”
Following the arrest, detectives presented evidence to suspect, Smile, implicating him with the crime. The 20-year-old admitted the robbery and was charged to appear before court.
Smile, of Hamstead Road, Handsworth later entered a guilty plea during an appearance at Wolverhampton Crown Court. He returned to the court on Friday (31 October) where he was sentenced to ten and a half years imprisonment.
DC Taylor added: “This is a significant sentence for a man who showed no mercy in his determination to get what he wanted.
“Hopefully the sentence offers some comfort to his victims whilst sending a message that this kind of crime will not be tolerated, and comes with lengthy sentences.”