Machete-wielding burglar jailed for eight years

A man who wielded a machete as he forced his way into a home in Cheshire has been jailed for eight years and four months.

Gavin Hope, of High Ercell, Telford, made off with cash and jewellery from a property in Egerton, near Malpas.

The 52-year-old, who appeared at Chester Crown Court earlier this month, pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary.

The incident happened just after 02:00 GMT on 15 July, according to Cheshire Constabulary.

The occupants of the home were woken by a loud bang and the house alarm sounding.

They discovered Hope holding a large knife, after he had used a plant pot to smash the rear patio doors.

He forced one of the victims to open a safe before leaving the scene with £17,000 in cash and a jewellery box containing sentimental items.

Police said they were able to trace Hope after an officer found a discarded item of clothing near the scene which provided a DNA match.

Det Con Ian Halliwell said: "Everyone deserves to feel safe in their own home.

"To find an armed stranger inside your property forcing you to hand over money and sentimental items is truly terrifying.

"Hope showed no regard for the occupants of the property and the impact this would have upon them, his only goal was financial gain, no matter the consequences."

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