Burglar terrified boys

A BURGLAR who left two children terrified when he broke into their home in Runcorn has been sentenced to two years in jail.

Nigel Farnsworth, 42, ( right) of Stapleton Avenue in Speke, Liverpool, pleaded guilty to burglary and was sentenced on Monday at Chester Crown Court.

Cheshire police said the court heard how on September 23, two boys cowered in the bathroom of their home in Halton Lodge as they heard Farnsworth force his way in.

Terrified, they hid in the bathroom, bolting the door shut and immediately dialled 999 to alert the police.

Farnsworth’s footsteps could be heard as he searched through each room inside the address before both boys heard a loud bang on the bathroom door as he tried to force it open. Both boys came faceto-face with Farnsworth who realised they had called the police and fled.

Police arrived to find cash had been stolen from the property along with car and house keys.

Farnsworth was arrested by officers on April 28 in Merseyside.

Detective Sergeant Rob McLoughlin, of Runcorn Local Policing Unit, said: “These two boys were left scared and petrified after Farnsworth forced his way into their home.

“Their bravery in finding a safe place to hide and immediately phone police is remarkable considering how frightened they were and they should be proud of their actions.

“Farnsworth admitting his guilt has spared them both the ordeal of sitting through a trial and potentially having to give evidence in court.

“However, Farnsworth showed no regard for the ordeal he put these two boys through and continued to evade police before his arrest.

“A team of detectives continued to work hard to trace Farnsworth’s whereabouts and I hope his sentence will bring reassurance to the family of his victims.”