Two fathers from Swindon have been jailed for a combined total of over 20 years after burgling a woman at knifepoint.

Martin Coombs, 25, of Somerville Road, and Jay Stokes, 32, of Hallam Moor, both appeared at Swindon Crown Court on Wednesday, October 16, after being found guilty of aggravated burglary.

The court heard how on November 29, 2023, Coombs and Stokes broke into a flat in Verwood Close, Park North, slashed a woman in her 30s with a knife and assaulted her, demanding drugs and money.

The defendants, who are both fathers to toddlers, then searched the flat, stealing cash, before leaving and later "bragging" in a lift about what they had done.

“These men targeted the victim to steal her drugs and money and they chose her because she was vulnerable and living alone," said Judge Taylor during the sentencing.

“I believe they thought the victim was an easy target. If it were four bulky men in the house with drugs, I don't think they would have gone there.

Both men were caught on CCTV 'bragging' about their crime in a liftBoth men were caught on CCTV 'bragging' about their crime in a lift (Image: Wiltshire Police) "They thought the only obstacle would be a dog who they were prepared to stab.

“A silent 999 call gave insight into how terrifying this was for the victim."

Evidence gathered by Wiltshire Police shows that both men were under the influence of drugs and alcohol at the time of the crime, and had gone in search of a "top-up".

Stokes, who led the assault, had already been under investigation at the time for two charges of being in supply of drugs two years prior.

“They both told a pack of lies to the police in an attempt to make it all go away," added the judge.

"The ease with which they lied was notable and striking."

In a statement read out in court, the victim said: “If I could say anything to the males who attacked me I would ask them was it worth it?

"I just don’t understand what it was they were hoping to achieve.”

Jay Stokes has now been sentenced to 11 years for the burglary, plus a further 18 months for an unrelated drug offence, making a total sentence of 12 years and eight months.

Martin Coombs was jailed for nine years.

The defence lawyers for both men noted the impact this would have on their children, all aged under five.

Coombs and Stokes' children will now spend the majority of their childhoods without their fatherCoombs and Stokes' children will now spend the majority of their childhoods without their father (Image: Wiltshire Police) “Stokes' children are two and three and they will spend a considerable portion of their childhoods without him being present," said lawyer Mr Salis.

"He had suffered a relapse and quit his job just before this offence was committed, to look after the children.

"He intends to start his own catering business when he is out."

Lawyer Dr Richardson added: “Coombs has two children aged two and four who he had been supporting before his arrest.

"He wants to come out and work on himself so he can do the right thing for his children."

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