Cambridge burglar jailed for attacking elderly man with hammer during robbery
The victim was attacked on his doorstep, resulting in serious injuries and the theft of a small amount of cash and bank cards
A burglar who attacked an elderly man on his doorstep with a hammer and stole just £30 in cash and a bank card has been sentenced to more than 11 years in prison.
The incident happened on 9 September in Cockerell Road, Cambridge, when the man, in his 70s, was threatened by Michael Janes, 48. When the victim tried to stop him entering his home, Janes hit him on the head with a hammer, causing him to fall backwards. The attacker struck the man three more times on the head before fleeing with an accomplice, Mariza Main, 51.
The victim noticed his wallet was missing. It contained his bank cards, £30 cash, his bus pass, and library card. Shortly after, he received a message telling him his card had been used to spend nearly £50 on vodka, tobacco, and two burgers at a service station on Elizabeth Way, about a mile and a half from his home. A further transaction for £23 was declined.
The man was treated at hospital for deep cuts to his head.
CCTV footage showed Janes and Main at the service station. They were arrested at their home in Whitfield Close, Cambridge. Police recovered the items bought at the service station, and found £29 in cash in Main’s handbag.
In interviews, Main refused to comment, while Janes denied involvement. However, Janes later pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary and fraud by false representation. He also admitted a burglary at a dental practice in Chesterton Road in May last year, where he caused over £430 in damage by smashing windows and was linked by blood left at the scene. Janes also admitted stealing a vape from a detention officer’s bag after his arrest.
Main pleaded guilty to burglary and fraud. At Peterborough Crown Court on 15 May, Janes was given an extended sentence of 11 years and nine months due to the risk he poses to the public. Main was sentenced to four years in prison.
Detective Constable Lisa Bacon, who led the investigation, said: “I cannot imagine the fear the victim must have felt when he was attacked with a weapon in his own home. I am pleased the courts took this offence so seriously and the prison sentences reflect this.”
She added: “The impact on the victim cannot be underestimated – he has been left with permanent tinnitus in both ears, his balance is affected and overall, he feels the ordeal has aged him. He has been left feeling vulnerable in his own home.”
DC Bacon also said burglary is “an invasion of a home – the place you should feel safest” and police continue to prioritise tackling it.