Ipswich/Felixstowe: Man jailed for burgling friend’s flat while high on cocktail of drink and drugs

A 22-year-old who burgled a friend’s home while high on a cocktail of alcohol and prescription drugs has been jailed.

The victim was threatened with a knife during the incident in Langley Close, Felixstowe, although it was made clear in court that it was not defendant Alexander Greenan who wielded the weapon.

Greenan, of Fore Street, Ipswich, was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment by the town’s crown court after admitting burglary.

The court was told his co-defendant Joshua Hughes is currently awaiting a mental health assessment before he can be sentenced.

Both men had been charged with aggravated burglary. However, Greenan only pleaded guilty to a burglary charge, which was accepted.

Sentencing Greenan, Judge Rupert Overbury said: “I accept when inside the property the main thrust of the activity was by Mr Hughes and that was directed for another purpose and not really for burgling the premises.

“The occupant was woken up at knifepoint, by a knife that was taken by your co-defendant from the flat. It maybe you had no idea that was going to happen. At various parts of the evening you tried to calm the situation down.”

However, the judge then referred to Greenan’s previous convictions which include assault with intent to rob, robbery, affray and theft.

He said: “In a very short space of time you have amassed really quite a serious criminal record.”

Previously prosecutor Godfried Duah said Greenan and Hughes had gone to the address where Jordan Fox had a flat. Greenan climbed in through a kitchen window before letting Hughes into the property.

Hughes picked up a knife from the kitchen before going to Mr Fox’s flat and waking him up.

Mr Duah said it appeared the reason Hughes went to the property was to find another man, whom he incorrectly believed had committed a crime.

Mr Fox was subjected to persistent demands at knifepoint about where his neighbour was.

Hughes and Greenan eventually left after going in and out of the flat three times taking items with them. The items were subsequently recovered.

Christopher Paxton, mitigating, said Greenan had been out celebrating after discovering he was a father.

He and Hughes had consumed alcohol, before Hughes suggested the drink some medication he was prescribed.

Mr Paxton said: “That cocktail frankly led Mr Greenan to behave in what he himself describes as appalling, disgusting behaviour towards Mr Fox.”

The court was told Greenan was remorseful and had written a letter of apology to his victim. Mr Fox was a friend of his and the pair had gone to college together.