Two axe-wielding men including one from Dunstable jailed following two aggravated burglaries

The men used a crowbar to get into the rear of the first home, where a couple in their 80s and 90s lived. They demanded money before fleeing empty handed on September 27.

A neighbouring family home was then broken into, with the pair using an axe on the front door. The traumatised family managed to escape through the back door.

Officers immediately attended and arrested one man, with a police dog leading officers to a nearby shed where a second man was arrested.

A crowbar and an axe were recovered.

Joe Loveridge, aged 27, of Totternhoe Road, Dunstable, and Jonas Loveridge, aged 46, of Midland Road, Sandy, were arrested and charged.

Having pleaded guilty to the offences in Hitchin at an earlier hearing, Joe Loveridge was sentenced to eight years and three months, while Jonas Loveridge was sentenced to six years and nine months at St Albans Crown Court on Wednesday (January 14).

Detective Constable Manmeet Kaur, of the North Herts Criminal Investigation Department (CID), said: “I hope this sentencing result will give the victims a chance to rebuild their lives after these traumatic incidents which took place inside their own homes and somewhere they have a right to feel safe.

“The quick actions of officers on the night saw these men apprehended swiftly and taken off the streets.”