Man jailed for burglary involving hammer threat

Chaivaz Stapleton was one of four suspects - police are still looking for the others

A man has been jailed for more than nine years for his involvement in an aggravated burglary in which a group of four men threatened residents with a hammer and ransacked their house.

Chaivaz Stapleton, of Station Road in New Barnet, was part of a group that targeted the property in Swindon in September 2024, taking jewellery.

The 29 year old was jailed for nine years and one month when he appeared at Swindon Crown Court on 2 May.

Wiltshire Police has said it is determined to find the other three suspects.

The burglary happened at 11:50 GMT on 13 September at Okebourne Park, Liden, with the group using Stapleton's Black Vauxhall Astra.

He was arrested on 15 October in London and charged with aggravated burglary, to which he pleaded guilty.

DC Jared Yalden from the Serious Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) at Wiltshire Police said: "This was a targeted attack and I'm pleased that the court has recognised the severity of it by sentencing Stapleton to almost a decade's imprisonment.

"Burglaries are a truly invasive crime which have a significant long-term impact on the victims.

"They can violate your sense of safety in the one place where you should feel safest" he added.

Wiltshire Police has asked anyone with information on the other suspects to get in touch.