Police welcome jail term for burglar who terrified family
Police say an armed burglar who traumatised a Sunderland family for cash ‘should be absolutely ashamed’ as the terror that he caused ‘will no doubt remain with the family for a long time’.
Armed burglar Grant Nanson was jailed after thrusting a knife towards a five-yearold child during a terrifying Christmas raid.
The frightened child called for his “daddy” after seeing intruder Nanson stood in the family kitchen holding a silver kitchen knife.
Nanson ordered the dad “give me the money” and thrust the blade towards his young son.
He then violently attacked the father and his wife who had rushed downstairs after hearing the commotion.
After swiping an iPhone from the Sunderland home, the 28-year-old crook menacingly warned that he has a gun and would return.
But in his haste to leave, the defendant inadvertently left a DNA-smeared baseball hat and blue Latex glove behind at the scene - which was later forensically linked to him.
Now Nanson is beginning an eight-year prison sentence after he was convicted of aggravated burglary.
Detective Sergeant Aidan Hall, of Northumbria Police, said: “Nanson should be absolutely ashamed of his actions that night.
“Armed with a knife, he terrified a family as he threatened and violently assaulted two parents in their own home, in full view of two of their young children.
“The terror that he caused will no doubt remain with the family for a long time, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the victims for their bravery and support throughout this case.”
He added: “There is absolutely no place for violent criminality such as this and I welcome the custodial sentence handed down to Nanson.”
Newcastle Crown Court heard of the significant impact that the events of December 19 last year have had on the family.
The five-year-old son often asks if “the man with the knife is coming back.”
In police interview, Nanson, of Thornhill Park, Sunderland, admitted he broke into the house with the intention of “taking all their money”.
Nanson pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary at Newcastle Crown Court and was jailed for eight years.