'Lawless' Leeds raiders jailed for over 40 years after claw hammer and axe attack before house crash

Three men who hit a father and son with an axe and a claw hammer during a raid before crashing into a house have been jailed for over 40 years.
The three men jailed and the crash in Flaxton Gardens, BeestonThe three men jailed and the crash in Flaxton Gardens, Beeston
The three men jailed and the crash in Flaxton Gardens, Beeston

Police described the three attackers as "utterly lawless individuals" who had no respect for innocent people.

-> Gallery: The scene of the smash as raiders crashed into house during police chaseGary O'Neil, 39 of Stratford Street, Beeston, was found guilty of aggravated burglary after a trial. He pleaded guilty to robbery. O'Neil was jailed for 15-and-a half years.

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Terence Honey, 32, of no fixed address pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary and robbery.

The three men jailed and the crash in Flaxton Gardens, BeestonThe three men jailed and the crash in Flaxton Gardens, Beeston
The three men jailed and the crash in Flaxton Gardens, Beeston

He also admitting to an offence of possession of a mobile phone in prison.

Officers at Armley jail found him with the device in his cell in April.

Honey was jailed for 14 years and three months.

-> Read the original story -> Leeds dad and son hit with claw hammer and axe before raiders crashed car into houseCameron, 38, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary and was jailed for ten years, 11 months.

Paul CameronPaul Cameron
Paul Cameron
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Lawyers for the men described how the offences were committed to pay for drugs.

Sentencing the defendants, Judge Robin Mairs said: "All three of you are repeat offenders - experienced criminals.

"It is quite clear from the evidence that all three of you knew who was present (at the Varey's home) and what you were looking for.

"You knew the vulnerability of certainly one of the occupants."

Terry HoneyTerry Honey
Terry Honey
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After the case, Det Insp Al Burns, of Leeds District Crime Team, said: “These three men put the victims in these incidents through absolutely terrifying ordeals which have had a lasting traumatic impact on them.

-> Armed gang injure three after forcing way into Leeds house“They have shown themselves to be utterly lawless individuals who have absolutely no consideration for the innocent people they have offended against and put in danger as they tried to escape from officers.

“We hope the significant sentences they have received will provide some level of comfort to their victims and help to reassure the wider community.

“Information provided by the community played a vital role in bringing these men to justice and I would like to commend all those who supported our investigation in this way.

"We hope it helps to remind the public how much we value and welcome information that supports our investigations.”