Stab-threat intruder sent back to jail

AN intruder who threatened to stab his victim's dog after barging into his home demanding money has been jailed for four and a half years.

Leeds Crown Court heard yesterday Nathan Drake, 21, was out on licence from prison for other serious offences when he forced his way into the house in Cardinal Road, Beeston, Leeds when the occupant answered the door.

He was armed with a carving knife and threatened to stab the man and his dog, said Richard Wright, prosecuting.

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He ran off with a laptop but police were called and found him hiding in a garden around 15 minutes later.

Since his arrest he had been recalled to prison to complete his previous five-year sentence and was not due for release until July 2011.

Drake, of no fixed address admitted aggravated burglary and having an offensive weapon.

James Lake, representing him, told the court he received his first sentence at 14 years of age, for robbery, and spent almost all his teenage years in custody. "He is someone who faces an enormous difficulty when released from any sentence."