Armed men kicked their way into couple's South Shields home, leaving victims living in fear

Paul Hasney and Christopher Hope broke into the property in August of last year, the day after Hansey went round and made threats.

Newcastle Crown Court heard that the pair were in possession of weapons at the time which were found by police shortly after the incident in South Shields.

Prosecutor Barry Robson said that Hansey phoned the complainants on August 2, 2020, who were at home and told them that he was getting a knife.

He added: "The following day in the early hours, one complainant received a telephone call again from Hansey.

"They called this defendant back who said there were three lads on their way round with knives.

"Fifteen minutes later the victims heard shouting outside their property. They recognised the voice to be Hansey who was shouting at them to open the door – the defendant then kicked open the door."The court heard Hansey was holding what the victims believed was a knife but was later discovered to be scissors after they were found next to a drain by police, whilst Hope had been carrying half of a pool queue.

"The defendants were pushing the bedroom door with such force it came off its hinges,” he said.

"The total cost of damage was £500 to the property. At this time one of the complainants had telephoned the police."

The court heard that both complainants were drug users and had a bottle of ammonia which was thrown at the defendants, causing them to flee, where they were confronted by the police as they arrived outside.Victim personal statements read out on behalf of the couple said that they were not friends with the defendants and wanted nothing more to do with them.They also told the court that they take in turns sleeping, born out of fear of intruders.Hasney, 34, of Newburn Court in South Shields admitted affray and possession of a bladed article.

Hope, 39, of no fixed abode, also admitted affray and possession of an offensive weapon.

Ms Recorder Melly said: "The impact on the complainants is clearly significant.

"The complainants had no choice but to barricade themselves in their bedroom.

"A mention is made that the complainants were drug users in relation to the bottle of ammonia.

"Whatever the lifestyle of people, they are entitled to feel safe in their own home.”

He added: "These offences are so serious only an immediate custodial sentence can be justified."

The judge sentenced both defendants to 18 months imprisonment.Sam Faulks, mitigating for Hope, told the court his client has undergone serious medical issues in the past including a fractured skull and brain haemorrhage, and that he wants to tackle his issue of alcohol abuse.

Mr Faulks added: "He is in many ways a vulnerable individual with significant health issues.

"His mother organises his affairs, reminds him what to do and where to do it and on his release he intends to live with her."

Tony Cornberg, for Hansey, told the court that his defendant had previously been trouble-free for seven years in which he became a father and secured employment.

Mr Cornberg added: "Clearly he is someone who on this occasion went back to his old ways and he did so fairly easily.

"This will be a concern but it's also something to work with."

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