Jail for masked men who terrorised family

TWO prolific offenders who smashed their way into a family home in Saddleworth gave the thumbs up to their families when being led to jail on Friday.

Thugs Dario Eastcroft (19) and Jack Lofthouse (18), both from Cheetham Hill, were handed sentences of six years six months and four years four months, respectively, after a judge deemed them a serious risk of harm to others.

The pair broke into a house in Grotton Meadows with a third man, wielding metal bars and wearing masks at around 11pm last May 25.

The third attacker was carrying a sledgehammer, which he used to strike householder Ronald Hall twice as he attempted to confront them.

It was only once Mr Hall’s wife started to scream that the trio retreated from the house, pursued by Mr Hall’s 19-year-old son, Michael, at which point one of them dropped their car keys.

Police were called, found the keys and linked the pair to the crime. Though they were arrested shortly afterwards, they have refused to identify their accomplice.

Recorder David Heaton QC said at Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester: “The pair of you are prolific offenders for very different cases.

“I have absolutely no doubt that you already had a plan when you set off to the house. I reject any suggestion that you thought this house was empty. It was 11pm and there were two cars on the drive.

“This was not a case of someone trying to gain entry quietly. You were aiming to terrify, as you were all armed and all masked.”

Lofthouse was given a reduced sentence as he was only 17 at the time of the crime.




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