More than 20 years' jail for pair in aggravated burglary

Two Swindon men have been jailed for a total of more than 20 years collectively for an aggravated burglary.

The pair threatened a man in his own home with a knife.

Lee Fitchett, 38, currently of HMP Bullingdon, was sentenced to a total of 12 years in prison at Swindon Crown Court for aggravated burglary, dangerous driving and possession of an offensive weapon.

While Callum Sherry, 31, of Spruce Court, Pinehurst, Swindon, was sentenced to nine years and four months in prison for aggravated burglary, two counts of assaulting an emergency worker and criminal damage.

A police spokesperson said: "In the early hours of 19 November, 2019, we received a 999 call from the home owner after Fitchett, wearing a stab vest, and Sherry had entered the address on Shepherd Street with weapons including knives and an extendable baton.

"They proceeded to strip the man naked and get him to squat in front of others present in the room before assaulting him with the baton to the face."

The two men then searched the room, taking items including tracksuits, alcohol and trainers.

Sherry was arrested at his home address the next day and twice spat at officers. Fitchett was stopped on the A419 while driving in a white VW Passat. When officers tried to stop the vehicle, he drove off. He reached more than 100mph and hit police vehicles before he was detained.

PC Katey Baker of the Swindon Response Team said: “This incident was understandably extremely traumatic for the victims and nobody should feel threatened within their own home like this.

“First of all we’d like to thank the victims for the bravery shown in this case to stand up and give their account of what was a horrific incident.

“We are pleased that that bravery has been rewarded with significant sentences for both men who not only brought fear into the community but showed a complete disregard for the law, even at the point of their arrests.

“This result is down to a lot of hard work and the support of the community who have stood up and assisted us with our investigation, which we are thankful for.”

People who are victims of controlling behaviour and wish to speak out are asked to call the police on 101 - or 999 in an emergency. Alternatively, they can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111, where information can be left anonymously.