Man jailed for aggravated burglaries

Kieran Gradwell

A man responsible for a violent burglary in Middleton has been jailed for 12 years.

Kieran Gradwell, aged 26, of no fixed address, admitted two counts of aggravated burglary.

On Friday 10 January 2014, at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court he was sentenced to six years in prison for each offence. The judge ordered the sentences run consecutively, totalling 12 years.

One offence happened at an address on Whitegates Road, Middleton on 29 June 2012.

The other happened at an address Wilmslow Road, Didsbury on 7 June 2012.

On 30 June 2012, Gradwell was seen in a car that was used in the latter burglary. He was stopped and arrested.

The two offences were ultimately linked following an extensive investigation by detectives from the neighbourhood policing team based at Rochdale who reviewed other similar offences.

During the burglary at the house on Whitegates Road, Gradwell and unknown accomplices relentlessly kicked at the front door in order to gain entry.

Some family members barricaded themselves in the kitchen and a woman who lived there was attacked with a machete.

During the burglary at the house Wilmslow Road, Gradwell – again with unknown accomplices – snuck into the house and threatened a family, including a young child.

On both occasions the offenders threatened the occupants, were armed with weapons and stole vehicle keys before stealing the vehicles.

Detective Constable Russell Clarke, said: “Whilst committing these offences, Gradwell gave no thought for his victims. His actions have caused long lasting effects for these two families who continue to struggle to come to terms with what happened.

"I hope this sentence gives comfort and closure for the families involved and also sends a message to other like-minded criminals that every effort will be made to identify you and bring you to justice.

"I want to reassure the public that offences of this nature are not a regular occurrence. Simple safety measures can often lessen the potential of being a victim of crimes of this nature, like locking front and rear doors."