Burglar jailed for attack on two have-a-go heroes outside Willenhall home
A burglar who attacked two men with a screwdriver and bolt cutters after they caught him red-handed at a neighbour's home has been jailed for six-and-a-half years.
John Rhodes, from Bilston, struggled and fought with Stephen Millard and John Reeves for 15 minutes after they tried to make a citizen's arrest following the burglary, Wolverhampton Crown Court heard.
Mr Mark Rees prosecuting, told the court that on October 11, Rhodes was seen acting suspiciously outside a property on Wolverhampton Road West, in Willenhall, by Mr Millard. Mr Reeves also noticed that one of the windows at the front of the house was broken.
Mr Rees said: "He (Mr Reeves) then saw Rhodes climb out the front window of the house and he had in his hand a PlayStation."
The court heard that Mr Reeves, who is over 60, tried to apprehend the burglar and Mr Millard, aged 51, came to help him detain 45-year-old Rhodes.
"The took hold of him, he struggled but they managed to get him to the ground," said Mr Rees. "This defendant then used his screwdriver to try to fight them off. Mr Millard did manage to grab hold of the screwdriver, but suffered some injuries to his hand."
The court heard Rhodes bit Mr Reeves on the inside of the left thigh. He then used the bolt cutters he was carrying, striking Mr Millard's face. The three men struggled for 15 minutes as Mr Reeves' wife frantically phoned the police for help. A third man came to help and managed to pin Rhodes's legs together.
Mr Rees said: "When the police arrived they could see Mr Millard and Mr Reeves had blood all over their heads.
"Both were also exhausted."
Mr Millard suffered three fractures to his eye socket area. He now has metal plates in his face, which is still swollen, and has permanent scars. Mr Rees said: "He is concerned about his future employability, and his ability to find work."
Mr Reeves suffered minor injuries and had to have a tetanus jab following the bite.
The court heard Rhodes has 29 convictions for 73 offences, 44 of which are for burglary and he was on licence when he committed the offence.
Rhodes, of Garden Walk, pleaded guilty to charges of burglary, unlawful wounding, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
Mr Jon Roe, defending, said: "He is not a man predisposed to violence, he sees himself as a burglar, not a violent man."
Judge Nicholas Webb told Rhodes: "They acted with conspicuous bravery and you attacked them to try to get away." He said Mr Millard is to receive £750 in compensation from public funds and Mr Reeves £500.
