A knifeman who threatened to kill a pensioner and her dogs during a burglary has been jailed.
Armed George Gale forced his way into a property in Kington Langley on 12 August last year, pushing the occupant – a woman aged in her 70s – to the floor.
Brandishing a large knife, the defendant demanded money and jewellery while repeatedly telling her that if she called the police, he would kill her and her dogs.
The 27-year-old, of Doveys Terrace, Kington Langley, pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary and was sentenced at Swindon Crown Court today (Monday).
Judge Jason Taylor handed down a 14-year prison term, in which he will serve two thirds behind bars.
He described Gale as ‘a significant risk’ especially to ‘elderly women’, and went on to say that the defendant saw his victim ‘as easy prey’ and ‘took advantage of her love of dogs’.
Gale was also issued with an indefinite restraining order not to contact his victim or enter Kington Langley.
Detective Constable Tom Carver, from CID said: “I want to thank Gale’s victim who has shown incredible bravery throughout the judicial process.
“On that night in August, he frightened her so much that she did not want to tell the police, and it was only when a friend reported it to us did she reveal what had happened.
“Gale forced his way into the property and knocked his victim to the ground. He then forced her upstairs where she feared there may be a sexual assault and demanded that she hand over jewellery and money. He left with four gold chains which have sadly never been recovered.
“Burglary is an offence that greatly affects our communities and can be extremely distressing for victims, and I am pleased that Gale has been brought to justice so the victim can now have closure.
“This conviction and sentence reflect the severity and seriousness with which these offences are taken and is a warning that these types of offences will not be tolerated.”
