Peter Finney, aged 32, of Northwich, was sentenced to three years and seven months imprisonment on Tuesday 22^nd April at Chester Crown Court, after admitting burglary of a residence in Kingsway, Northwich.

In the early hours of Friday 21^st March police received a call from Alan Spring, a resident from Kingsway, Northwich reporting that a man had been found in his house and had been detained.

The Spring family had woken to find a man in their bedroom and later found out that he had been into every room in the house. Mr. Spring showed great courage and bravery in tackling the intruder despite the man threatening to stab him.

The police arrived a short time later and arrested Finney.  He admitted he had entered the house by smashing a rear window, injuring himself in the process. The house at the time was occupied by two adults and two young children.

With the support of the police, Mr. Spring, a local plasterer, faced Finney in court and described the impact the incident had had on him and his family.  Using the Victim Personal Statement, which all crime victims now have the chance to write and have presented at court, he made clear how traumatic  events that night had been..

The Judge in his summary commended the victim and passed a sentence of 3 years and 7 months on Finney.

After the Judgement, Alan Spring, said: “No matter what sentence Finney would have received it will not undo the damage he has caused to my family. I hope he gets the help he needs in prison to stop anyone else going through what we have”

The officer in the case, DC Morris commented:  ”Although crimes of this nature are rare, it leaves consequences on the family far after the sentence is passed. Having spent time with the Spring family throughout the investigation, they have remained dignified and respectful in the quest for justice. Both Alan and his wife have shown great courage and bravery throughout and should be proud of their actions, underlined by the Judge in his summary”