Pontefract father-and-son left 'fearing for life' after armed trio of drug addicts kicked down door

Lee Wass, 35, James Greenway, 34, and Ricky Stewart, 28, were all jailed for over six years at Leeds Crown Court on Thursday after a judge ruled that they had all played an “equal part” in the robbery.

Marcus Goetcher was asleep in his upstairs flat on South Baileygate, Pontefract, when he heard his father John, who occupies the downstairs flat shouting at intruders.

The court heard how Mr Goetcher quickly raced downstairs to his father’s aid, where was repeatedly punched in the face by Lee Wass, as soon as he arrived at the door. The trio were armed with a knife, a pair of scissors and a kettle.

Prosecuting the case, Ms Jane told the court how the trio, who were looking to feed their drug addictions, made off with a PlayStation 4 and attempted to steal the TV before a second scuffle ensued. All three pleaded guilty.

The court also heard how Wass, who has 61 prior convictions for 131 offences, had forced his way into the home of a Mr Hussy the previous night, making off with house keys, £30 in cash, a mobile phone and prescription medication.

Mitigating for Wass, Mr Canning told the court that his client accepted he would have to spend “considerable time in prison” and was sorry for his actions, having been out that night to “feed his addiction.” The court further heard how he wishes to “contribute to society” upon his release.

Representing James Greenway, Mr Stranex told the court how his client had previously worked as an assistant business manager and in roofing, but had been caught up in an “excessive use of pills” and was sorry for what had happened. He has since completed drug use work and is on a waiting list to receive therapy.

Speaking in his own defence, Ricky Stewart admitted kicking the door open and threatening John Goetcher with the kettle. He told the court how he was now an enhanced prison worker and had completed a stint in rehab. He hopes to study for an environmental sciences degree upon his release from custody.

In a victim impact statement, the court heard how Marcus Goetcher, had struggled with depression and anxiety since the incident, and is kept awake at night by fears they will return.

It also heard how he now has to get a taxi everywhere and doesn’t go out or talk to people much as he struggles to trust people and was scared for his life during the incident.

Sentencing the case, Judge Clark told the trio it doesn’t matter who did what as they “all took equal part” in the robbery by joining in. He decided against issuing a restraining order.

He sentenced Wass to three years three months for the robbery on Mr Hussy, to run consecutively with the six years and nine months he will serve for the break-in at the Goetcher residence. He will serve two thirds of his 10 years sentence.

Greenway, who has nine previous convictions for 22 offences, was also sentenced to six years and nine months for his part in the incident. Stewart, who has 18 convictions for 34 prior offences, including for robbery, received a six year sentence.