The violent burglar who terrorised innocent people in their own homes

A violent burglar who terrorised innocent people in their own homes has been put behind bars.

James Smith launched a robbery spree across parts of Stockport and Hyde, with a court hearing how he would smash into people's homes and attack people on the street. In one incident the 29-year-old and another man attacked two males in a field, slashing one in the face and leaving the other with a bleed on the brain and broken jaw.

In another, Smith smashed through a window and stole a homeowner's £12,000 car. He has now been locked up for 16 years.

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The court heard how the first incident involving Smith happened on June 18 last year on Ruskin Road in Bredbury. Police said a homeowner returned home around 4.455pm and realised a rear door had been damaged.

Jewellery and electronics had been stolen. A man, believed to be Smith, was seen on CCTV in the area wearing distinctive clothes. The second burglary happened on the same day on Redhouse Lane.

A man was called by police who said his home had been broken into. A dining room window was smashed and his car keys were missing.

His Peugeot had been stolen. Doorbell footage showed Smith and another male walking towards the house before the break-in. It also showed them getting into the Peugeot, police said.

The third incident happened on Green Lane in Romiley on June 20 last year. A homeowner woke up at around 4am realising he had been burgled.

The kitchen window had been smashed and a bank card, phone and £12,000 Peugeot vehicle was stolen. Smith was later caught on CCTV drawing £500 in cash out from the stolen card.

On June 21, Smith and another man attacked two males from behind on a field behind