Raider jailed for attack that terrified Walsall family

A hooded raider who burst into the home of a former boss during a terrifying attack that devastated the lives of the victims has been jailed for 21 months.

Craig Walker and a mystery accomplice, who is still being hunted, struck as Mark Morris ate an evening meal with his partner while their two young children slept upstairs, a judge heard yesterday.

The 39-year-old victim was twice punched in the face and knocked to the floor by the unknown raider after answering a knock on the front door of his property.

Mr Morris opened his door at Conway Close, Walsall at 7pm on January 17, Wolverhampton Crown Court was told.

Walker, aged 21, who was wearing a balaclava, ran upstairs where the children aged six months and four years, were asleep, as his accomplice forced Vicky Joyce, the 31-year-old partner of Mr Morris, into the lounge, said prosecutor David Lees.

The lawyer added: "During the confusion that followed Miss Joyce ran out of the house to the home of a neighbour."

The two raiders were for-ced to flee empty-handed midway through an untidy search of the property, the court heard. But Walker had been recognised despite wea-ring a hood because he had done casual work for Mr Morris in the past, said Mr Lees.

Miss Joyce, who has since had to move house with her partner and their children as a result of the incident, said in a victim impact statement read to the court: "I was absolutely petrified that these people would come back. I cannot get the violence and the sight of somebody wearing a balaclava out of my mind."

Walker from Bell Street, Bilston, who had a previous conviction for attacking a man in the street, was arrested three days later. He admitted burglary with intent. David Rose, defending, said: "This was a significant error of judgment while egged on by his accomplice and after a great deal of drink had been consumed."

Judge Michael Challinor jailed Walker and told him: "You must pay the price for what you have done to this family."

By John Scott