Robbery gang trio jailed for knifepoint raid
MEMBERS of a robbery gang that held a family at knifepoint and attacked their pet puppy with a hammer have been jailed.
The three men will serve a total of more than 30 years following their raid at a home on Swanscoe Lane, Higher Hurdsfield.
They and two other thugs struck as the family - a married couple and their 10-year-old daughter - were preparing for dinner.
After bursting into the home they threatened the family and demanded their savings, eventually escaping with mobile phones, watches taken off the victims’ wrists and other jewellery.
The terrifying ordeal happened a week before Christmas and this week three of the gang were sentenced at Chester Crown Court.
All three had admitted robbery and possession of a weapon.
Rebanne Cantrill, 19, of Brigham Street, Openshaw, Manchester, was sentenced to 14 years.
Devon Patterson, 21, of
Stan Jolley Walk, also in Openshaw, was jailed for 10 and a half years.
And John McLeod, 19, of Back Haslam Street, Bury, was given eight and a half years.
Speaking after the sentencing Detective Sergeant Simon Mills, of Macclesfield CID, said:
“The offenders subjected the victims to a terrifying ordeal, holding them at knifepoint in their own home and threatening them with claw hammers.
“They even assaulted the victims’ 12 month old dog with a hammer in an attempt to get the family to hand over their possessions and life savings – a truly despicable action and luckily the young dog did not sustain any serious injuries.
“I am delighted that the trio have all received a substantial custodial sentence and I hope that this brings some closure to the victims.”
While searching the address the gang thought a neighbour had spotted them so, fearing police had been called, fled.
They tried to steal the family’s car as a getaway vehicle but failed so ran off into the fields.
Following a police helicopter search four of the men were found and arrested.
An 18-year-old man from Manchester is due to be sentenced later this year and police have identified a fifth man, who they are currently seeking in connection with the robbery.