TWO men who burst into two Barnstaple properties – one of whom was armed with a knife – have been jailed.

Dylan Roy, 22, of Howden Road in Tiverton, and Jamie Knapman, 35, of Narrow Lane in Tiverton, both appeared at Exeter Crown Court recently for sentence after being convicted of two attempted aggravated burglaries.

Knapman was also sentenced for possession of a bladed article.

Knapman was jailed for six years and Roy seven years and four months.

Roy was handed an extra six months also being convicted of an unrelated assault on a police officer and a driving offence.

The court heard how at around 5.10am on June 14 police were called following a report of a group of males trying to force entry to a property in South Green, Barnstaple.

One of the men – believed to be Knapman – was seen to be holding a knife.

They tried to force entry to the property by barging and kicking the door.

Roy then threw a brick through a window and Knapman reached into the property and attempted to slash at an occupant within. Various threats were made during the incident.

When the Roy and Knapman couldn’t achieve entry to the premises, they went around the side of the address and tried to force entry into a second flat.

They unsuccessfully tried to force a door lock before Knapman climbed through a window while waving the knife in his hand.

Once inside further threats and demands were made before Roy and Knapman left the scene prior to police arrival.

Both Roy and Knapman returned to the property the following day, again shouting and banging at one of the property’s doors.

Knapman and Roy then walked away from the property shouting and swearing and were heard to say words to the effect of “it’s Dylan f*cking Roy and f*cking Jamie Knapman”.

Both were subsequently arrested.

Detective Inspector Ben Cartwright said: “I welcome the sentences given to Dylan Roy and Jamie Knapman at Exeter Crown Court.

“The events of June 14 must have been absolutely terrifying for those present, and no doubt had a lasting effect that has resulted in the victims being unable to feel safe in their own homes.

“Such violence and fear have no place in our society.

“The sentences demonstrate that knife crime and burglary will not be tolerated and we will do everything in our power to bring perpetrators of such crimes swiftly to justice.”