A samurai-wielding burglar who launched a terrifying attack on a family on Christmas Eve has been jailed for more than seven years.
The occupant of the house in East Stanley answered a knock on his door at 9pm and was confronted by John Twiname, carrying the weapon.
The 39-year-old barged in with an accomplice, threatened the householder and stole cash from a safe on December 24, 2018.
They escaped the scene in a van, but detectives tracked down Twiname and he was arrested at a hostel in Sunderland.
Twiname, of Great North Road, Chester-le-Street, was jailed on Thursday for seven years and four months after admitting aggravated burglary and making threats with a bladed article.
Durham Crown Court also imposed a restraining order prohibiting him from approaching the victim’s house and its occupants, for ten years.
Detective constable Christopher Bentham said: “This was a terrifying attack when the victims should have been enjoying family time on Christmas Eve.
“Our officers left no stone unturned in pursuing Twinane and bringing him to justice for such a despicable crime which will not be tolerated in our communities.
“It has had a lasting impact on the victim and the wider family who, along with ourselves, are really pleased that Twiname has been given a substantial sentence which reflects the seriousness of such a nasty crime.”
