Pair jailed over knifepoint break-ins at two Barnstaple flats
One man reached through a window and tried to slash someone inside during the attempted break-ins
Two men have been jailed for a total of more than thirteen years after trying to force their way into two flats in Barnstaple, one of them armed with a knife.
Dylan Roy, 22, of Howden Road in Tiverton, and Jamie Knapman, 35, of Narrow Lane in Tiverton, appeared at Exeter Crown Court for sentence after being convicted of two attempted aggravated burglaries.
Knapman was also sentenced for possession of a bladed article.
Roy was jailed for seven years and four months, while Knapman was jailed for six years.
Roy received an extra six months after also being convicted of an unrelated assault on a police officer and a driving offence.
What happened
The court heard that at around 5.10am on 14th June 2026, police were called to a report of a group of men trying to force their way into a flat in South Green, Barnstaple.
One of the men, believed to be Knapman, was seen holding a knife.
The pair tried to force entry by barging and kicking the door.
Roy then threw a brick through a window and Knapman reached inside and tried to slash at someone in the flat.
Various threats were made during the attack.
Second break-in attempt
Unable to get into the first flat, Roy and Knapman moved to the side of the building and tried to force their way into a second flat.
They tried unsuccessfully to force the door lock before Knapman climbed through a window while waving the knife.
Once inside, further threats and demands were made before the pair left the scene before police arrived.
The pair returned the next day
Roy and Knapman went back to the address the following day, shouting and banging on one of the doors.
They then walked away shouting and swearing, and were heard saying words to the effect of "it's Dylan fcking Roy and fcking Jamie Knapman."
Both men were later arrested.
Police reaction
"I welcome the sentences given to Dylan Roy and Jamie Knapman at Exeter Crown Court," Detective Inspector Ben Cartwright said.
"The events of 14th June must have been absolutely terrifying for those present, and no doubt had a lasting effect that has resulted in the victims being unable to feel safe in their own homes.
"Such violence and fear have no place in our society.
"The sentences demonstrate that knife crime and burglary will not be tolerated and we will do everything in our power to bring perpetrators of such crimes swiftly to justice."