A BURGLAR who raided a flat with two others who were masked and armed was jailed for four and a half years on Thursday.

Ashley Poulter, of Sussex Drive, Banbury, admitted aggravated burglary, possession of class B drugs and damage to property.

The 25-year-old was not masked or armed when he raided the flat in Northumberland Court, Banbury, but his two balaclava-clad companions were carrying a taser and a flick knife.

During the burglary at about 10.45pm on February 10 this year, one of the three occupants, Sean Jones, who knew Poulter, was stabbed.

Jane Davies, prosecuting, told the hearing at Oxford Crown Court that Poulter began punching and assaulting Mr Jones and a fight happened in the living room in which Mr Jones was stabbed with the knife.

The trio took Mr Jones’s wallet, but it is not known how much cash was in it.

Ms Davies said: “Very fortunately the wound, having been explored, was superficial.” She added: “Clearly it wasn’t him who was responsible for the stabbing. It was the other man.”

Steven Hadley, defending, said: “He does express genuine remorse, which I invite the court to take into account.”

Sentencing, Judge Charles Harris said: “It was a joint enterprise which probably had something to do with drugs. “Although you are only 25 you have 13 previous convictions for 22 offences, including one burglary and others for violence.

Poulter was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £120.