Samurai sword-wielding raider caught in Sunderland after terrifying family in home

A man answered a knock at the door of his home in East Stanley at 9pm and was confronted by John Twiname, carrying the weapon.

Twiname, 39, barged in with an accomplice, threatened the man and stole cash from a safe on December 24, 2018.

The pair escaped in a van, but detectives tracked down Twiname and he was arrested at a hostel in Sunderland.

On Thursday, May 21, Twiname, of Great North Road, Chester-le-Street, was jailed for seven years and four months at Durham Crown Court after admitting aggravated burglary and making threats with a bladed article.

A restraining order, prohibiting him from approaching the victim’s house and its occupants for ten years, was also imposed.

Detective Constable Christopher Bentham, of Durham Constabulary, said: “This was a terrifying attack when the victims should have been enjoying family time on Christmas Eve.

“Our officers left no stone unturned in pursuing Twinane and bringing him to justice for such a despicable crime which will not be tolerated in our communities.

“It has had a lasting impact on the victim and the wider family who, along with ourselves, are really pleased that Twiname has been given a substantial sentence which reflects the seriousness of such a nasty crime.”