Bogus policeman in knife threat at house

A raider who dressed as a policeman to trick his way into a Black Country couple's home and threaten them with knives during a terrifying confrontation was caught after he dropped his wallet containing his address.

Victims John and Francis Wilkins were each awarded £200 out of public funds on the orders of a judge for their bravery during the incident.

Michael Cotton grabbed two knives - one with a 14in blade - from the kitchen after tricking his way into the couple's house in Bloxwich.

Yesterday he was jailed for three years after admitting burglary.

Mr David Lees, prosecuting, told Wolverhampton Crown Court: "Mrs Wilkins answered a ring on the door bell and found a caller dressed like a policeman.

"He introduced himself as a police constable and was wearing a stab vest with a police logo on it.

"Once inside he started talking about the number plate of their car being cloned and used on a vehicle involved in robberies."

The 29-year-old went to the kitchen as the suspicions of the couple grew because he smelled of alcohol, had no ID and what appeared to be a Nottinghamshire Police logo on his vest despite claiming to be stationed at Bloxwich, the court heard.

Cotton "realised the game was up" and snatched a weapon from the knife block but was disarmed by Mr Wilkins after a struggle, Mr Lees added. Mrs Wilkins activated the burglar alarm, and Cotton grabbed a second knife, this time with a 14in blade, and ran at them with it held above his head.

The couple backed off into the front garden, pursued by Cotton, who then threw away the weapon and ran off with a set of car keys.

He dropped his wallet which had a fines notice inside with his address on it and was arrested two days later. He denied involvement in the crime but was picked out at an identity parade.

Cotton, of Quantock Close, Frankley, was jailed for two years and nine months with a further 12 weeks added because the crime breached a suspended sentence imposed for a previous offence.