TWO burglars who attacked a couple as they lay in bed in their Huddersfield home have been locked up.
The victims, 65-year-old Derek Hallam, and his wife, Norma, 64, have now spoken of their ordeal.
Stefan Warner, 19, of Alder Street, Fartown, and a Fartown youth of 17 - who cannot be named because of his age - received four-year sentences at Bradford Crown Court after admitting aggravated burglary.
The robbers broke into the Hallams's home on Skipton Avenue, Fartown, at 4.30am on March 23. The couple were awoken when the bedroom door burst open and the thieves rushed in.
One had a wok he had picked up from the kitchen and the other was carrying a hammer.
Mr Hallam was hit with the wok several times as the intruders demanded money.
Mrs Hallam shouted out and was struck and Mr Hallam was hit at least once on his arm with the hammer.
He said: "I managed to wrestle the hammer off him. When I did that he shouted to his accomplice.
"They both fled down the stairs and through the french doors.
"They were off like a shot and the last sight I had of them was climbing over my garden fence."
The thieves had already stolen Mr Hallam's grey Renault 19, which was found in Bradley the next day.
The couple were left bruised after their ordeal.
Det Sgt Paul Simm, of Huddersfield CID, said: "This was a despicable crime committed against a retired couple who were in bed at their own home. Not only have they been victims of a burglary , they had to endure a terrifying and violent confrontation with their attackers.
"Following extensive inquiries by the police and the forensic science service, their attackers were finally brought to justice," added Det Sgt Simm.
"I am sure, though, that for Mr and Mrs Hallam no length of term of imprisonment would or could justify the experience they encountered that night."
