Husband Delivers Knockout Blow to Burglar Wielding Saw
A brazen burglar got a brutal surprise when he threatened a sleeping woman with a saw — but her husband wasn’t having it. Gary Shackleton, 39, broke into a Newcastle ground-floor flat on December 12 last year, only to face a pounding from the husband defending his family.
Children in Terror as Intruder Holds Saw to Sleeping Mum
The woman was asleep in a bedroom with her six-year-old son when Shackleton grabbed a saw from the kitchen and menaced her. She managed to slip away to the living room, where her husband was with their other two children. Shackleton then demanded cash in a chilling raid.
Thug Flees with Bicycle After Beating
The husband fought back hard, landing punches that left Shackleton bruised and battered. The intruder fled, grabbing a bike as a getaway vehicle. Police caught him later on Elswick Road, where he was treated in hospital for his injuries.
Career Criminal Faces Jail but Vows to Turn Life Around
- Shackleton has racked up 74 previous convictions, including seven burglaries.
- He pleaded guilty to burglary and theft at Newcastle Crown Court.
- He was sentenced to three years behind bars.
- Shackleton told the court he wants help to beat addiction and change his ways.
Recorder Felicity Davies said, “Children were disturbed during the offence, and the intruder threatened a woman and child with a saw.”
This terrifying home invasion shows how far desperate criminals will go — and how brave families fight back to protect their own.
