Armed raider jailed after smashing way into stranger's house with machete and pick axe handle

An armed raider is behind bars after using a machete and a pick axe handle to smash his way into a stranger’s home during the night.

Marc Ridley, 29, has been jailed for more than six years after leaving his victim 'terrified' following the incident in Hetton-le-Hole in the early hours of May 18.

After a 58-year-old refused to lend him £20, Ridley smashed his way into the address – 'showering her living room in glass'.

With the frightened resident already on the phone to police, Ridley left empty-handed and was subsequently arrested in the street. In an interview, he told officers that he “would have robbed” his victim if he had the chance.

Ridley, of The Avenue, Hetton-le-Hole, also smashed the window of a second address in the town after believing some rivals lived there, but got the wrong house.

On August 21 he pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary, criminal damage, possessing an offensive weapon and possessing a bladed article when he appeared at Newcastle Crown Court.

He was subsequently jailed on the same day for six years and eight months.