12:30pm Sunday 10th January 2010
By Wendy Barlow
A NEW mum's Baxenden home was raided hours after she brought her daughter home from hospital.
Burnley Crown Court heard the victim told police the conservatory where Barry Gibbons and two accomplices entered was full of balloons and cards to welcome the newborn.
Gibbons, 21, who had been in the area looking for alloy wheels to steal, ended up being part of the attack on the house in Southwood Drive, after claiming one of his friends started trying door handles.
The defendant, who is about to finish a five-month jail term, was given another 15 months, after admitting burglary following the incident last January and failing to surrender.
His two co-defendants had earlier been given nine months and 18 months behind bars by another judge. Judge Beverley Lunt slammed the sentences as 'ludicrously short', but said she had to be fair to the defendant.
The judge told Gibbons, of Bishop Street, Rochdale, she hoped he had reflected on how he had ruined what should have been a joyous occasion for the young family.
She said: "The terror and the fear they must have felt will never leave them."
"When you come out of custody I hope you will start growing up."
Sarah Statham, prosecuting, said the burglars stole a lot electrical equipment, including a large television. The victims were in bed and were not disturbed. Neighbours saw lights on in the family's car and alerted police.
Officers caught Gibbons and his accomplices nearby in their vehicle, which they had driven from Rochdale. The defendant was at the wheel.
Gareth Dawson, for Gibbons, said at the time there had been few positives in his life.
Gibbons had had time to reflect and planned a more positive life and lifestyle after his release, Mr Dawson said.
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