By David Powell
Copyright dailypost
Two “wicked” knifemen robbed a man they wrongly thought was a drug dealer. Gareth Bird cut his victim’s face, and Ricky Jones made a threat as they left.
Mold Crown Court heard the men thought they would find drugs or money in the robbery at the property in Rhosddu Road, Wrexham on March 4. They admitted robbery of victim Darren Millward.
Bird, 45, of Crescent Close, Wrexham, was jailed for eight years while Ricky Jones, 37, of no fixed address, was jailed for six years and four months. Bird will serve at least two thirds of his term, while Jones will serve up to half of his custodial term. You can sign up for all the latest court stories here
The court heard the men targeted their victim and picked up two knives from a kitchen table at his home. Prosecutor David Mainstone said Jones told Mr Millard that if he called police Jones would come back and stab Mr Millard.
However a knife – with Bird’s DNA on the handle – was left on a step and police found it. Later an officer saw both defendants on a garage forecourt in Hightown and they were arrested.
Police searched Jones and found Mr Millard’s firestick and other belongings were also recovered but not his phone with precious photos and information on it.
In a statement Mr Millard said he relives the experience of the robbery “over and over”. But he has concerns about another resident, who is friends with the defendants, coming into his shared house.
People arrive at the property and Mr Millard does not sleep well. He “barricades” his door which he did not do before the robbery.
Philip Tully, for Bird, said he “accepts this incident would have been very upsetting and frightening for the victim. “It had been motivated by a small financial gain based on the wrong belief the victim was a drug dealer,” he said.
Philip Clemo, for Jones, said the prosecution had been “a pretty substantial wake up call”. He needs to realise that drink (alcohol) “is not his friend” or spend his life going through the revolving door (of justice).
The judge His Honour Simon Mills told Bird and Jones that robbing a man in his own home was a serious offence. Significant force was used.
Branding their behaviour “wicked”, he said: “You both armed yourselves with knives that you found on a table, with Mr Bird actually using the knife that he picked up to cut the victim with it, albeit not causing serious injury.
“I invite you to think what it must be like to have your face cut with a knife by men who come to rob you in your home.” The judge said the victim was brave enough to stand up and report the incident to police.
He said Jones, of no fixed address, played a slightly lesser role. Both were given restraining orders for 12 years to keep away from their victim.
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