Officers from Wiltshire Police have been praised by the courts for a 'murder-level investigation' that saw two men put behind bars.

Martin Coombs, 25, of Somerville Road, and Jay Stokes, 32, of Hallam Moor, both appeared at Swindon Crown Court on Wednesday, October 16 after being found guilty of aggravated burglary at knifepoint.

On November 29, 2023, the two men who were under the influence of drugs and alcohol forced their way into a property in Verwood Close, Park North, looking for "a top up".

The fathers slashed a woman in her 30s with a knife and assaulted her, demanding drugs and money.

They then searched the flat, stealing cash, before leaving and later "bragging" on CCTV about what they had done.

"They thought the only obstacle would be a dog who they were prepared to stab," said Judge Taylor.

“A silent 999 call gave insight into how terrifying this was for the victim."

CCTV footage gathered by police provided key evidence at trialCCTV footage gathered by police provided key evidence at trial (Image: Wiltshire Police) Adding his praise for Wiltshire Police, the judge noted how the investigation was a credit to the force.

"I want to commend the police officers for their investigation into this case," said the judge.

"The investigation was of the highest standard, something we often only see in murder trials.

“In interview, both defendants told a pack of lies to the police in an attempt to make it all go away.

"The ease with which they lied was notable and striking.

"The officers who worked on this case are a credit to Wiltshire Police."

Stokes has now been sentenced to 11 years for the burglary, plus a further 18 months for an unrelated drug offence, making a total sentence of 12 years and eight months.

Coombs was jailed for nine years.

Coombs and Stokes have been sentenced to a combined total of over 20 years behind barsCoombs and Stokes have been sentenced to a combined total of over 20 years behind bars (Image: Wiltshire Police) Detective Inspector Sarah Champion of the Burglary Team said: “This was an awful, targeted attack on a vulnerable woman which left her with serious injuries.

“Despite CCTV evidence, they still pleaded not guilty to the offence and forced the victim to relive the incident through a trial.

“Both defendants show a complete lack of remorse for their actions and I’m pleased that they have been sentenced today."

She added: “I’d like to thank the investigating officers for their hard work in pulling the strands of this investigation together.

“Burglaries remain a force priority and we will continue to target offenders like Coombs and Stokes and ensure they are put before the courts.”

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