Armed Norfolk raiders jailed after aggravated burglary

Brendan Burt, 42, forced his way into a Great Yarmouth property armed with a knife and with his face covered in the terrifying raid.,

He was accompanied by Jamie Felmingham, who was also armed and had his face covered, as they broke into Old Fire Station Court in Greyfriars Way.

Norwich Crown Court heard that one of the two householders was repeatedly threatened and suffered a "significant injury to his hand".

Norwich Crown Court (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest) He had to be taken to hospital where he was treated for his injuries after the aggravated robbery, which happened at about 11.20am on March 26 2023.

Burt and Felmingham were both found guilty of aggravated burglary, and having an article with a blade or point, following a crown court trial between March 6 and March 22 this year.

Jude Durr, prosecuting, said there had been a "significant degree of planning and organisation" to the offence, in which a small amount of cash was taken.

Burt, of Patterson Close, Yarmouth, and Felmingham, of Harbord Crescent, Yarmouth, were due at court on Tuesday (November 26) for sentence, although both defendants refused to attend.

Brendan Burt (Image: Norfolk Constabulary) Recorder Michael Turner imposed extended sentences for both defendants, who he found to be "dangerous offenders".

Burt was given an 18-year tariff, made up of 13 years imprisonment and five years extended licence. Felmingham received a 16-year sentence, comprising 11 years custody and five years on licence.

Turner said Felmingham had been the main protagonist who had "demanded money" and "inflicted the significant injuries" to the victim's hand, while Felmingham "kept guard" at the door with his "knife visible".

Michael Clare mitigated for Burt, who has 56 convictions for 156 offences. He said an extended sentence was appropriate in this case but argued that, although there had been planning, there was "not enough to establish there had been significant planning".

Stephen Spence mitigated for Felmingham, who has 49 previous convictions for 83 offences. He said he "mirrored" comments made by his counterpart regarding the "degree of planning".