CCTV operators at Swindon Borough Council have been praised after helping provide evidence which saw two knife-wielding burglars jailed.

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, have been jailed for a combined total of over 20 years after burgling a woman at knifepoint on November 29, 2023.

Swindon Crown Court heard how the two men, who were found guilty of aggravated burglary, 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.

But according to Judge Taylor: “They both told a pack of lies to the police in an attempt to make it all go away.

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

It was the Council's CCTV footage which showed the two men later "bragging" in a lift about what they had done which helped to secure a guilty verdict.

CCTV footage of the two men moments after the attackCCTV footage of the two men moments after the attack (Image: Wiltshire Police) "Our CCTV team, managing over 1,100 cameras across Swindon, captured essential footage," said a spokesperson for Swindon Borough Council.

"In a lift, the two men were recorded discussing the offence both before and after the attack—crucial evidence that led to their conviction."

FULL STORY: Swindon dads jailed after terrifying knifepoint burglary

Mark Stratford, Security Manager at the Council, added: "It’s rewarding to know our work helps bring justice for victims of crime.”

"This case reminds us of the powerful role technology, teamwork, and commitment play in keeping Swindon safe.

"We are proud of our CCTV team and their dedication to supporting law enforcement and safeguarding our community."

Coombs and Stokes will spend years behind barsCoombs and Stokes will spend years behind bars (Image: Wiltshire Police) 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.

“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.

"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."