FOUR men with strings of convictions are spending Christmas behind bars for their part in a “despicable” incident.

Benjamin Matheson, Troy Bywater, Aaron Miller and Marcus Hunte were all jailed yesterday for their part in a terrifying blackmail and robbery spree at the home of a woman who was nine months pregnant.

A fifth man, Connor Murray, failed to attend the court hearing and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Judge Peter Benson heard how on February 10 this year Hunte went to the Newsome home of Gemma Nelson Williams, who was due to give birth.

He demanded £50 in cash from her boyfriend, Daniel Rushworth, and when she handed it over Hunte and Bywater demanded a further £50 and told her to go to a cash machine.

A terrified Ms Nelson Williams did as she was told in the hope they would go away.

But the following day they returned with Matheson, Miller and Murray, who either attempted to rob her or stole from her.

The victim was so traumatised by the ordeal she moved out of the house shortly afterwards.

Bywater, 18, of Woodhouse Hill, Fartown, and Hunte, 18, of Walpole Road, Crosland Moor, both admitted blackmail by demanding money.

Bywater was jailed for a total of three and a half years for the offence, among others, and will serve it at a Young Offenders' Institute.

Hunte, named by the judge as the main instigator, was jailed for 18 months.

Matheson, 29, of Harp Inge, Dalton, pleaded guilty to attempted robbery, while Miller, 18, of Brockbank, Dalton and Murray, 18, of Highfield Crescent, Meltham, both admitted robbery.

Matheson, who has the most previous convictions, was jailed for a total of two years; 18 months for the attempted robbery, two months for a previous dangerous driving charge and four months for carrying a knife.

Miller. 18, was told he would serve 18 months in a YOI for his part in the incident.