Two jailed for violent burglary in Southampton
Pair sentenced for brutal break-in at Highfield Lane property
Two men have been jailed following a violent burglary at a Southampton property that left two occupants severely injured.
Kyle Rice, 25, and Brian Mitchell, 49, both from Livingstone Road, Southampton, carried out the break-in at an address on Highfield Lane at 6am on Saturday 3rd January.
The court heard that Rice and Mitchell forced entry into the home armed with a metal pole.
Inside, they restrained the residents using HDMI cables and repeatedly struck them with the pole before stealing items including cash, a laptop, a mobile phone, an iPad, and several bank cards.
Both victims required hospital treatment following the attack.
The 20-year-old sustained head lacerations while the 21-year-old suffered life-threatening head injuries that continue to affect him significantly.
Police apprehended Rice and Mitchell within hours of the incident, and they both pleaded guilty to charges including aggravated burglary with intent and grievous bodily harm with intent.
At Southampton Crown Court today, Brian Mitchell received a 17-year prison sentence, while Kyle Rice was sentenced to 15 years.
Detective Shannon Bellinger, who oversaw the investigation, described the attack as calculated and violent.
“This was a calculated and violent attack carried out in a place where the victims should have felt safest – their own home. Rice and Mitchell didn’t just break in to steal, they used brutal violence, leaving one victim with life-changing injuries and causing lasting physical and psychological trauma for both men.
“The level of harm caused in this case is truly shocking. The victims were overpowered, restrained and subjected to a terrifying ordeal that no one should ever have to endure.
“Today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of what happened and ensures these dangerous individuals are no longer able to harm others in our community.
“I hope this outcome provides some measure of justice for the victims and sends a clear message: we will relentlessly pursue those who commit violent burglary and bring them before the courts.”
The sentencing marks a significant step in addressing violent crime and aims to offer justice to the victims while removing the perpetrators from society.