Man jailed for 14 years for Wiltshire aggravated burglary
27 year old George Gale threatened an elderly woman with a knife
A Wiltshire man's been jailed for 14 years for the aggravated burglary of an elderly woman's home.
2\7 year old George Gale from Doveys Terrace in Kington Langley near Chippenham, forced his way into the home of a property in August last year.
He knocked the victim, in her 70s, to the floor while holding a large knife.
Gale demanded money and jewellery, telling the woman that he'd kill her and her pets if she called the police.
He admitted aggravated burglary at Swindon Crown Court in November and has now been sentenced.
Gale must serve at least two thirds of his 14 year sentence, and has been issued with an indefinite restraining order not to contact his victim or enter Kington Langley.
Judge Taylor described Gale as 'a significant risk' especially to 'elderly women' when giving his sentence, and that Gale saw his victim 'as easy prey' and 'took advantage of her love of dogs'.
Detective Constable Tom Carver, from CID said:
"I want to thank Gale's victim who has shown incredible bravery throughout the judicial process. On that night in August, he frightened her so much that she did not want to tell the police, and it was only when a friend reported it to us did she reveal what had happened.
"Gale forced his way into the property and knocked his victim to the ground. He then forced her upstairs where she feared there may be a sexual assault and demanded that she hand over jewellery and money. He left with four gold chains which have sadly never been recovered.
"Burglary is an offence that greatly affects our communities and can be extremely distressing for victims, and I am pleased that Gale has been brought to justice so the victim can now have closure.
“This conviction and sentence reflect the severity and seriousness with which these offences are taken and is a warning that these types of offences will not be tolerated."