TWO VIOLENT Coventry thieves have been jailed for committing a pair of ‘terrifying’ armed robberies in the city.
Matthew Tennant and Kevin Swigler targeted two houses in August last year, breaking in and threatening the occupants with weapons.
In the first burglary, the two smashed open a window and threatened a man with a crowbar and a hammer, forcing him to give them the keys to his car.
Just a few hours later, they forced their way into another house, again threatening the occupant, this time with a handgun. They stole a number of items from inside and fled the area.
Shortly after, police firearms officers spotted the pair in a suspected stolen car in Raglen Street, where it failed to stop and led them on a chase towards Brook Close.
Hitting a dead-end, the pair were arrested, with the handgun found inside the car.
Forensics found it was a BB gun which had been modified to look like a real firearm.
Tennant, 37, and Swigler, 40, were sentenced at Warwick Crown Court for nine and a half years each, for aggravated burglary, robbery and theft from a motor vehicle.
Det Sgt Jay Aston from Coventry CID said: “The level of violence and intimidation shown in this case is truly shocking.
“These incidents will have been terrifying for all involved and targeting people in their own homes with a firearm is an act of utter cowardice.
“Thankfully, neither of the people they targeted were seriously injured, though the psychological impact of these crimes cannot be underestimated.
“Our officers acted swiftly to intercept and arrest these dangerous individuals, and the team of officers involved can be rightly proud of their efforts.
“PC Sarah Doran worked tirelessly to build the case against these two and the high standard of her investigation was instrumental in securing these charges and convictions.
“Violent crimes like this have no place on the streets of Coventry and we will continue to pursue anyone who thinks they can get away with this type of offending.”
