Lincoln burglar who violently attacked victim in his own home jailed

A youth who attacked a householder in the victim’s own home has been jailed at Lincoln Crown Court.

Jordan Groom turned up at a property in Marham Close, Birchwood, Lincoln, and tried to open the front door.

Kirsty Lea, prosecuting, said that Groom was confronted by the occupier Joe Gray and his son Seamus and during an altercation that followed Groom tried to pull Joe Gray out of the house.

During a struggle Groom punched Mr Gray in the face and grabbed a gold chain and ring from around his neck.

Groom was then forced out of the house and made off with the chain and ring.

Miss Lea said the raid in February of this year caused a considerable amount of stress to Joe Gray who had lived in his property for over 20 years without any previous problems.

The incident came three months after an earlier incident at a ground floor flat in Turner Avenue, Lincoln.

Miss Lea said that the occupier was at home when he heard someone apparently trying to kick in his front door.

The man went to investigate and found himself face to face with Groom and another man.

The second man told Groom they were at the wrong house but Groom went in and took a mobile phone and an iPad before leaving. Both items were later returned to the victim.

Groom, 20, of Sixfields Close, Lincoln, admitted burglary at Marham Close on February 6 this year and burglary at Turner Avenue on November 14, 2016.

He also admitted an offence of shoplifting and an unconnected charge of criminal damage after going with two other men to a house in Hibaldstow Road, Lincoln, and smashing up the kitchen units.

Groom further admitted breach of a suspended jail sentence imposed at the Crown Court in September 2016 for an offence of inflicting grievous bodily harm.

He was jailed for a total of two years and nine months.

Judge Simon Hirst also imposed an indefinite restraining order banning Groom from contacting Joe Gray and from entering Marham Close.

The Judge, passing sentence, told Groom: “Plainly these offences are so serious that only a custodial sentence can be imposed upon you.

“You are throwing your life away. That is your choice. You are grown up and make your own decisions.”

Sunil Khanna, in mitigation, said that although Groom got into trouble earlier in his life he then settled down and got himself a job.

“He was doing well and earning good money. He was living a normal family life. He was earning too much money. He began drinking to excess and taking Mamba.

“His partner threw him out and that’s when things took a turn for the worse.”

Mr Khanna said that Groom’s partner has been visiting him regularly while he has been on remand in custody.

“He simply wants to do his time and get out of prison as soon as possible.”