Machete wielding thug who carried out terrifying Worksop burglary jailed

A 28-year-old man has been jailed for ten years and six months for aggravated burglary.

John Williams, of no fixed address, pleaded not guilty but was found guilty yesterday (20 February) after a trial at Nottingham Crown Court.

The incident happened on 16 July 2019 in Sunnymede, Worksop.

Williams and three other men armed with machetes forced their way into a house and attacked a man who was living there.

Before they got into the house, the woman living there managed to call 999, ask for police and put her phone behind her on the sofa with the call still connected. A recording of the call was played in court where a man could be heard shouting “give me the money now.”

The terrified woman was also assaulted in the presence of her two children.

The men stole a French bulldog which had been bought that day, as well as a watch.

Detective Inspector Stu Temple, who oversaw the investigation, said: “Burglary is always an invasive crime but this was a particularly terrifying incident which has had a lasting impact on the victims, including two young children.

“This was a very serious case and I’m pleased that the sentence reflects that.”

Three other men were arrested in connection with the incident. One man was charged but the case against him was dropped. The other two men were released without charge.