TWO MEN have been sentenced to more than ten years in prison each for a string of weapons offences and robbery offences in Reading.
Abdul Kareem Haji, aged 26 and of Redbridge, Milton Keynes, was found guilty of a count each of robbery, possession of an offensive weapon, and possession of a bladed article.
He was sentenced to 15 years in prison, with an additional four years on extended licence, at a hearing at Reading Crown Court on Friday, November 21.
Mustafa Mohammed Jeylani, aged 29 and of Vale Road, London, was unanimously found guilty by the jury of a count each of robbery, possession of an offensive weapon, and possession of a bladed article
Jeylani was sentenced at the same hearing to 14 years’ imprisonment, after both men were convicted on June 30.
A third man, Sofyan Amar, aged 20 and of Butterton Gardens, Milton Keynes, is awaiting sentencing for the same offences; the next hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, December 3.
The sentencing follows an incident in December last year, when, at around 3.53am on Sunday, December 22, masked men armed with weapons forced entry to a house on Halls Road, Tilehurst.
The victim was awoken by the sound of a window being forced open and ran upstairs to wake their partner and call the police.
The group of masked men, who were brandishing baseball bats, knives, and hammers, then ran upstairs shouting “police.”
The victim was struck over the head with a knife and a baseball bat while trying to protect their family, which included a seven-month-old baby.
The offenders then demanded cash and gold as they continued to assault the victim, before the fled the house.
They stole cash and jewellery, and were chased Thames Valley Police officers.
The offenders attempted to drive away in a stolen BMW, but officers managed to stop the vehicle, and the offenders were subsequently arrested.
During a search of the vehicle, officers were able to recover the stolen jewellery and several weapons, including the knives and baseball bats.
Haji, Jeylani and Amar were all arrested on the same day of the incident, and were taken to Maidenhead Police Station.
Due to the seriousness of the offences, all were charged and remanded into custody the following day, (Monday, December 23.)
Detective Constable, Jennifer Cox, of Newbury CID said: “This was an extremely distressing, and frightening ordeal for the victims.
“They were awoken in the middle of the night, by masked men entering their home, armed with weapons.
“In order to protect their family, the victim tried to prevent the offenders entering the bedroom, at which point, the offenders attack him with weapons.
“The victims have been extremely brave throughout, attending court and providing evidence to help secure these convictions.
“It is imperative that dangerous individuals like this are taken off our streets and they have now been given very substantial prison sentences.
“Thames Valley Police remains committed to keeping our communities safe. If you have concerns about crime or need support, please contact us via 101, or visit our website for advice and reporting options.
“In an emergency, always call 999.”
