A man has been jailed for two years four months after he and two others burst into a house where a suspected drug dealer was visiting, intending “to teach him a lesson.”
Leeds Crown Court heard Benjamin France and accomplices had rushed past the occupant when he opened the door to the premises in Mill View, Milnsbridge. They ran straight to the visitor and began punching him.
Richard Gioserano prosecuting said they were shouting “Where’s the weed, where’s the weed?”
The couple who lived in the premises were terrified, particularly the woman, who was holding a baby.
Mr Gioserano said the intruders made it clear to them that they were not the target and were reassured that nothing would happen to them. The woman was ushered out while the attack continued.
The men eventually left but after they did so the occupants discovered two mobile phones and �100 in cash had been stolen.
Jason Pitter, representing France, told the court he accepted it must have been frightening for the occupants but “they were never the target.” He said France and the others were not trying to acquire the drugs but to give a message to the drug dealer who was understood to have supplied the 14-year-old sister of one of the other men.
France, 23 of Sycamore Avenue, Milnsbridge, admitted burglary on May 25 and possessing cannabis when arrested.
