What police had to say about sentence given to burglar who terrorised Sunderland family

Police say an armed burglar who traumatised a Sunderland family for cash ‘should be absolutely ashamed’ as the terror that he caused ‘will no doubt remain with the family for a long time’.
By Peter Tennick
Published 24th Mar 2021, 11:43 BST
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Armed burglar Grant Nanson was jailed after thrusting a knife towards a five-year-old child during a terrifying Christmas raid.

The frightened child called for his “daddy” after seeing intruder Nanson stood in the family kitchen holding a silver kitchen knife.

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Nanson ordered the dad “give me the money” and thrust the blade towards his young son.

Grant Nanson, 28, of Thornhill Park, Sunderland, who has a criminal record, admitted aggravated burglary has been jailed for eight years.Grant Nanson, 28, of Thornhill Park, Sunderland, who has a criminal record, admitted aggravated burglary has been jailed for eight years.
Grant Nanson, 28, of Thornhill Park, Sunderland, who has a criminal record, admitted aggravated burglary has been jailed for eight years.

He then violently attacked the father and his wife who had rushed downstairs after hearing the commotion.

After swiping an iPhone from the Sunderland home, the 28-year-old crook menacingly warned that he has a gun and would return.

But in his haste to leave, the defendant inadvertently left a DNA-smeared baseball hat and blue Latex glove behind at the scene - which was later forensically linked to him.

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Now Nanson is beginning an eight-year prison sentence after he was convicted of aggravated burglary.

Grant NansonGrant Nanson
Grant Nanson

Detective Sergeant Aidan Hall, of Northumbria Police, said: “Nanson should be absolutely ashamed of his actions that night.

“Armed with a knife, he terrified a family as he threatened and violently assaulted two parents in their own home, in full view of two of their young children.

“The terror that he caused will no doubt remain with the family for a long time, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the victims for their bravery and support throughout this case.

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“There is absolutely no place for violent criminality such as this and I welcome the custodial sentence handed down to Nanson.”

The knife used by Grant Nanson.The knife used by Grant Nanson.
The knife used by Grant Nanson.

Newcastle Crown Court heard of the significant impact that the events of December 19 last year have had on the family, with the five-year-old son often asking if “the man with the knife is coming back.”

In police interview, Nanson, of Thornhill Park, Sunderland, admitted he broke into the house with the intention of “taking all their money”.

Nanson pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary at Newcastle Crown Court and was jailed for eight years.

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A glove and a hat left at the scene.A glove and a hat left at the scene.
A glove and a hat left at the scene.

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