30th April 2010
Home insurance policyholders likely to be relieved after burglar is sentenced
Home insurance customers in Brighton are likely to be relieved after a burglar was sent to prison.
Anthony Leonard, 35, was originally given a 24-month community order - but Lord Chief Justice, Lord Judge, said this was not enough and gave him a four-year jail term.
Leonard admitted assault causing actual bodily harm and aggravated burglary, having broken into the home of Sarah Hackett and her two teenage sons while they slept.
The judge was told the perpetrator lunged at her with a screwdriver, pushed her down the stairs and grabbed her by the throat, before being hit by 16-year-old Robert Hackett, who used the only nearby weapon - a dog lead.
"We have been at pains recently to emphasise the seriousness with which the offence of house burglary should be treated by sentencing courts," Lord Judge said.
Anyone shopping for high-price items this spring should make certain they are added to any home cover policy.
Posted by Samuel Tudor
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