Four people sentenced following aggravated burglary in Northwich

Four people who admitted breaking into a house in Northwich and threatening the occupant with a machete have been sentenced.

Mark Jones, Luke Faulkner-Ellis , Harvey Smallwood and Caitlin Thomas all appeared at Chester Crown Court on Friday 17th October where they were sentenced to more than 14 years in prison.

Their sentences included:

• Mark Jones, 23, of Riverside Park, Northwich – sentenced to 70 months in prison for aggravated burglary and possession of cannabis
• Luke Faulkner-Ellis, 20, of no fixed abode, sentenced to five years in prison for aggravated burglary
• Harvey Smallwood, 19, of Gowy Crescent, Tarvin, sentenced to 40 months in prison for aggravated burglary
• Caitlin Thomas, 18 of Dean Street, Northwich, sentenced to 150 hours unpaid work for burglary

The court heard how at around 3am on Saturday 15th April 2023 the victim was in his living room when he heard shouting and banging outside his Naylor Court address.

The victim, a man in his late 50s, fled to his bedroom and as he ran through the hall, he witnessed the defendants smashing his front door to break into his address.

Once inside, the gang, who were armed with a machete, shouted abuse at the victim as he hid in his bedroom. They also smashed a number of walls and damaged some of the victim’s property before fleeing the scene.

Police were later called to the address, and officers conducted a search of the local area. During the search both Smallwood and Thomas were stopped by officers after they were found near to the River Weaver.

The pair were not initially arrested, however after reviewing CCTV footage, mobile phone data and forensics, the four defendants were all identified as suspects and arrested.

They were later charged in relation to the incident.

Following the sentencing Detective Constable Chris Forrest, of Northwich Proactive CID said:

“Everyone has a right to feel safe in their own home and I welcome the sentences handed to the defendants in this case.

“I hope that the conclusion of this case will provide some closure for the victim, and also reassurance to local residents.”

In addition to their prison sentences, all four defendants have also been handed indefinite restraining orders to prevent them from contacting the victims.