Thugs jailed for horror attack

Kris Pollitt

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TWO armed thugs who attacked a couple after smashing their way into their home late at night, have each been jailed for 9.5 years.

Homeowner Martin Higgins (69) was felled by a hammer blow to the head. His wife managed to drag him into the safety of their bedroom and they barricaded themselves in with their body weight, but the attackers continued to batter the door.

Joshua Fletcher (24), of Lyme Street, Shaw, who wielded the hammer, was high on drink and drugs, while his accomplice Kris Pollitt (31), of Horsedge Street, Oldham, had also been drinking and had a knife.

They pleaded guilty to robbery and causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

Sentencing the pair at Manchester Crown Court, Judge Jonathan Foster QC, told them: “It must have been a truly terrifying experience for this couple who were doing nothing but minding their own business. It was a horrifying and violent crime.”

Caroline Patrick, defending Fletcher, said: “He feels ashamed and extremely remorseful.”

The Higgins’ nightmare began shortly before 1am on February 11 this year. Mr Higgins was watching TV and his wife was reading in bed.

The door of their home in Spencer Street, Oldham shattered as Pollitt and Fletcher smashed their way in. One shouted “Where’s the money, where’s the money?” and as Mr Higgins ran into the hall he was struck by Fletcher, fracturing his skull and nose.

The terrified couple were powerless to do anything as the pair tried to force their way in.

Pollitt and Fletcher left after several minutes, snatching a handbag and a mobile phone.

Mr Higgins had to take early retirement from his driving job and both he and his wife are still haunted by their experience.

Pollitt said in a statement: “I feel sorry for what I’ve done, and I can’t believe I did it.”

Ms Patrick said Fletcher, had a serious drug habit, and was “in a bit of a state” on the night of the robbery.

Judge Foster told them: “If anyone is in any doubt as to what harm drugs can do within our society, they need only look at what had happened in this case.”