Burglars jailed for over 30 years for "brutal" attack where victims beaten with pole
Attackers tied up their victims and beat them with a pole during a sustained attack
Two burglars have been jailed for a combined total of over 30 years after using “brutal violence” when beating their victims with a pole and leaving one person suffering life threatening injuries.
The horror attack happened at 6am on Saturday 3 January after a break-in at an address on Highfield Lane, Southampton.
A court heard that Kyle Rice, 25, and Brian Mitchell, 49, forced their way into the property armed with a metal pole. “Once inside they forced the two occupants into a room, where they restrained them using HDMI cables before repeatedly beating them with the metal pole, showing a complete disregard for human life,” police said.
They then stole a number of items, including cash, a laptop, mobile phone, iPad and several bank cards before they fled the scene.
Both victims required hospital treatment, with the 20-year-old sustaining lacerations to the front and back of his head, while the 21-year-old suffered life-threatening injuries to his head, the effects of which continue to have a long-lasting impact.
Following enquiries, officers located and arrested the two men just hours after the attack. Rice and Mitchell, both of Livingstone Road, Southampton, were subsequently charged.
They later pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary with intent, burglary other than dwelling, grievous bodily harm with intent and wounding with intent.
Appearing at Southampton Crown Court, Brian Mitchell was sentenced to 17 years' imprisonment and Kyle Rice was sentenced to 15 years' imprisonment.
Detective Shannon Bellinger, who led the investigation, said: “This was a calculated and violent attack carried out in a place where the victims should have felt safest – their own home. Rice and Mitchell didn’t just break in to steal, they used brutal violence, leaving one victim with life-changing injuries and causing lasting physical and psychological trauma for both men.
“The level of harm caused in this case is truly shocking. The victims were overpowered, restrained and subjected to a terrifying ordeal that no one should ever have to endure.
“Today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of what happened and ensures these dangerous individuals are no longer able to harm others in our community.
“I hope this outcome provides some measure of justice for the victims and sends a clear message: we will relentlessly pursue those who commit violent burglary and bring them before the courts.”