Drug enforcer attacked house with baby inside

Liam Maddison admitted multiple offences

A drug debt enforcer who smashed a living room window close to where a 10-week-old baby was lying has been jailed for 16 months.

Liam Maddison, 31, was armed with a machete and wearing a balaclava when he attacked a house in Sunderland in March, Newcastle Crown Court heard.

He had sent the occupant threatening messages after buying the man's £1,300 drugs debt, the court heard.

Maddison, of no fixed abode, admitted sending threatening messages, affray, criminal damage and possessing a bladed weapon.

The victim had accrued the debt with dealers who sold it to Maddison to collect upon, prosecutor John Hobley said.

Maddison sent voice notes to the victim threatening to "do him in" and smash his windows, the court heard, with the man transferring £700 to Maddison.

'Terrifying for family'

The court heard he sent further threats demanding the remaining £600 before turning up at the man's home at about 10:00 GMT on 16 March.

He was wielding a machete and wearing a balaclava as he shouted for the man, who recognised Maddison from his voice and build, the court heard.

Maddison then smashed the living room window before fleeing when the victim begged him to stop as his 10-week-old son was in the room, Mr Hobley said.

In a statement read to the court, the victim said he was left physically and emotionally shaken and in fear for his family while his partner, who was also at the house, was afraid to keep on living there.

In mitigation, Helen Towers said Maddison, a father of two young children, had not known a baby was inside the house and it now "fills him with shame".

Recorder Thomas Moran said it must have been "terrifying" for the victim and his family.

A restraining order banning Maddison from contacting his victim or going in the area of his home was made to last for 10 years.