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Burglar jailed for seven years after threatening pensioners in West Bromwich

A burglar who threatened two pensioners with a knife and forced another to lie on her bed as he ransacked her home has been locked up.

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David Critchley

David Critchley was sentenced to seven years in prison for burgling two homes in West Bromwich last year, making off with money and jewellery.

The 38-year-old, of Beresford Crescent in West Bromwich, first struck at the home of an elderly couple on October 8.

The 77-year-old victim and his wife were waiting for a delivery to be made when they heard a knock at the door.

They were confronted by Critchley who forced himself inside the property and threatened the pair with a knife.

He demanded cash from the couple and left with £90.

Two days later he followed an 80-year-old woman home after she got off the bus in the Charlemont Farm estate at around 7.30pm.

As the woman was opening the door to her home, Critchley appeared and claimed he had just been mugged.

He asked if he could use her phone but after she let him into the house, he forced the woman to lie on her bed while he ransacked the home.

He then fled the property with cash and jewellery, which the police describe as 'sentimental items'.

Critchley was arrested after police appealed for information on social media and he was found guilty at Wolverhampton Crown Court on Wednesday and sentenced to seven years in jail.

Pc Paul Bryant, from Sandwell Police, said: “This is an excellent result for those affected and the community as a whole.

"A dangerous person has been put behind bars for a lengthy period of time, I hope this sentence offers some closure to those who suffered a terrifying ordeal at his hands.”

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