Burglars who threatened a father with an imitation firearm in front of his partner and two of their young children have been jailed.
The family had been out for the day and returned home to West Street, Harwich, at about 6.30pm on September 27, 2014 when Heath Vosper and Simon Jacobs followed them inside.
Vosper, who was armed with what was described as a double barrelled shotgun, threatened the father, who was holding his baby, and demanded money, while Jacobs, 17, made his way upstairs. They left with £70 in cash and a mobile phone.
Vosper, 23, of no fixed address, denied the aggravated burglary and possession of an imitation firearm with intent to commit an offence, but was convicted following a trial at Chelmsford Crown Court.
He was sentenced today to nine years for the burglary charge. The judge made an order for the imitation firearm charge to lie on file.
Jacobs, of no fixed address, denied aggravated burglary, a robbery on July 14, 2014 in Harwich, and possession of an imitation firearm with intent to commit an offence but was convicted following a trial.
He was sentenced to six years for aggravated burglary. There was no separate penalty for the robbery and the judge made an order for the imitation firearm offence to lie on file.
Detective Inspector Leighton Hammett, of Tendring CID, said: “I want these sentences to go out as a message to anyone else who would consider doing such a horrendous act. Essex Police and the courts will not tolerate this type of behaviour. I will ensure the police of Tendring will do everything within their power to bring the offenders who commit these types of crime to justice.”
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