A violent burglar who threatened a family with a knife before stealing thousands of pounds worth of gold has been jailed for almost 14 years. Mohammed Ruman Khan, 22, from Newcastle, forced his way into a home in Alum Rock, Birmingham, before terrorising the family and making off with jewellery, clothing and perfume.
He was sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court on Friday, July 10, to a total of 13 years and 10 months in prison for the Birmingham burglary and a string of other offences committed across the north of England.
Family threatened at knifepoint
The aggravated burglary took place in April when Khan knocked on the front door of the property before forcing his way inside. Armed with a knife, he threatened the family as he searched the house for valuables.
During the terrifying ordeal, a woman was injured in a struggle as Khan stole thousands of pounds worth of gold, along with clothing and perfume. Two of the woman’s relatives confronted Khan outside the property in an attempt to recover the stolen items but were also threatened with the knife as he fled the scene.
Despite his escape, the family managed to photograph Khan, providing detectives with a crucial lead.
Tracked down in the North East
Officers from the Neighbourhood Crime Team immediately launched an investigation, carrying out house-to-house enquiries, reviewing CCTV footage and gathering evidence from the local area. Working alongside colleagues from Northumbria Police, detectives traced Khan to the North East, where he was arrested.
He was later charged with aggravated burglary and admitted the offence, along with a number of other crimes committed elsewhere in northern England.
Nearly 14 years behind bars
At Newcastle Crown Court, Khan was sentenced to a total of 13 years and 10 months’ imprisonment, including seven years and six months for the aggravated burglary in Birmingham.
Police said the sentence reflected the seriousness of the violent offence and praised the close cooperation between forces that ensured Khan was brought to justice. The investigation was led by West Midlands Police with assistance from Northumbria Police.
