Two men jailed for total of 20 years for knife attack in Swindon
It happened on November 29 last year.
Two men have been jailed for a combined 20 years after burgling a woman's home at knife point.
It happened on November 29 last year - when the men slashed the victim, a woman in her 30s, across the hands with a knife and assaulted her.
Jay Stokes, who's 32, of Hallam Moor, Swindon and 25 year-old Martin Coombs of Somerville Road, Walcot, were found guilty of aggravated burglary - and were sentenced to 12 years and eight months and nine years respectively.
During the trial, the jury was shown key CCTV footage from a lift of Coombs and Stokes discussing the offence both before and after, which proved crucial in securing the verdict.
Following the sentencing, DI Sarah Champion of the Burglary Team said: “This was an awful, targeted attack on a vulnerable woman which left her with serious injuries.
“Key CCTV footage prior to the offence has shown Coombs and Stokes colluding to target the victim, and then further footage following the assault shows them discussing it.
“Despite this evidence, they still pleaded not guilty to the offence and forced the victim to relive the incident through a trial.
“Both defendants show a complete lack of remorse for their actions and I’m pleased that they have been sentenced today.
“I’d like to thank the investigating officers for their hard work in pulling the strands of this investigation together.
“Their dedication to securing the conviction and the lengthy sentences that followed was recognised by the Judge, who praised the high quality of the investigation.
“Burglaries remain a Force priority as they are such an invasive crime, targeting someone in their own home where they should feel most safe and secure.
“It is totally unacceptable and we will continue to target offenders like Coombs and Stokes and ensure they are put before the courts.”