Burglar made gun threat to his victim
An aggressive burglar who raided the homes of two families and tried to hit one victim with a guitar has been put behind bars.
Jordan Dixon, 26, forced his way into the first address, allegedly with another man, before a violent confrontation broke out when the homeowner challenged them.
Newcastle Crown Court heard that the terrifying confrontation happened just before 7am on June 23 following the break-in.
Prosecutor Andrew Walker said: "The man was woken by a loud bang coming from the garage, which sounded to him like someone had driven into it.
"He looked out of the bedroom window and saw a bike he didn't recognise on the floor of the garage and went down stairs to confront the burglars and as he approached saw two males.
"He saw his own bike propped up against the front of the garage which had clearly been moved.
"He asked what they were doing and one replied 'Is this not Ian's house?' to which the homeowner said no and that the police were on their way."
The court heard that Dixon picked up a guitar from the garage and swung it towards the victim but missed.
The duo then ran off threatening they would be back and would bring a gun next time, the court heard.
A victim personal statement read out on behalf of the dad told the court that he was still experiencing significant sleep problems as a result of the burglary, and is constantly on edge fearing for his and his family's safety.
Mr Walker added that 10 days later, before he was arrested for the first break-in, Dixon smashed into another garage of a nearby family home.
He said: "The owner noticed in the morning of July 3 that his garage door was open with damage caused to the corner of it.
"He saw it would no longer open and close, and Dixon had launched himself at the garage door causing it to break open."
An off-road motor bike belonging to the man's nineyear-old son had been taken, but left around the back of the house, whilst his own bike had been taken.
Dixon, who has 27 convictions for 56 offences, was arrested and admitted the charges of burglary, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and using abusive or insulting words and behaviour.
He was handed 18 months imprisonment by Judge Stephen Earl.
The judge said: "I've looked long and hard about these matters and whether I could give you a suspended sentence.
"The fact is the victims have had personal trauma.
"I do hope that when you are released we will not see you again for our sake, your sake and for your parent's sake and that you can build bridges."
Gavin Doig,def ending Dixon, formally of Thornhope Close, Washington, said: "All sorts of short-term custodial sentences were given in the past which protects his long-suffering parents, but when he is released we are back where we were before.
"His mother is prepared to give him another opportunity and some support."
Dixon's co-accused is yet to appear in court.