A JAIL sentence has been handed to a man who broke into a Banbury home with a claw hammer. 

Marc Lelli, 42, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated burglary at Oxford Crown Court on Friday (April 26) and was sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment.

The court that at about 5.15am on October 9 last year, Lelli forced his way into an address in King’s Road with a claw hammer, while under the influence of class A drugs.

Once inside, Lelli threatened the two occupants, a woman in her 60s and a man in his 40s, with the hammer and demanded money from them.

Lelli stole £330 in cash and other items before leaving the property.

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Investigating officer Detective Constable Ashley Ruane, part of Cherwell and West Oxfordshire local policing area’s Priority Crime Team, said: “I would like to thank all those involved in the successful conviction of Marc Lelli for what was a terrifying ordeal for the victims.

“Burglary is an offence that greatly affects our community and can be extremely distressing for victims so I am pleased that Lelli has successfully been brought to justice and the victims can now have closure.

“This conviction and sentence reflects the severity and seriousness with which these offences are taken, and is a warning that these type of offences will not be tolerated.”