A man, Blake Searle, has been imprisoned for four years after a harrowing housebreak on the Harrowby estate in Grantham that left a family cowering in terror. Searle, 21, who does not have a permanent address, carried out the break-in just days before Christmas last year. Significant damage was inflicted during the burglary, with blood traces left on walls and decorations ruthlessly shattered.
The court in Lincoln heard how the family, consisting of young children, barricaded themselves inside a bedroom for safety. Detective Constable Kirsty Farrar portrayed the ordeal as ‘frightening’ and expressed relief that Searle was finally incarcerated. Forensic investigation on the blood traces led the police to the identification of Searle.
He was arrested in January and pleaded guilty to the charges of burglary and theft. Besides his prison sentence, Searle was also issued with an indefinite restraining order to ensure the safety of the victimised family. The unsettling event emphasises the signficance of community vigilance, especially during the festive season.
The Lincoln Post adapted this story from original reporting by www.bbc.com.
