A drug addict who waved a craft knife in the face of his victim demanding money has been jailed for five years.

Jamie Rose, a heroin addict, went to the home of his victim, who was known to him, and started looking for money.

He was asked to leave but then started pushing his victim before taking £20 from him, and then kicked him, saying it 'serves you right'.

Rose returned the next day and threatened to kill his victim if he 'grassed him up'.

Rose waved a craft knife in his face, and had a crowbar. He demanded money before making off with £50 on April 28 this year.

The next day, he was searched by police in Braintree following a routine stop, and was found to be carrying a spoon with residues of heroin on it. He also had syringes.

Rose, 26, of Stubbs Lane, Braintree, admitted robbery, aggravated burglary and possession of heroin.

He has an extensive criminal history stretching back seven years, including theft, threatening behaviour, burglary, shoplifting, affray, robbery, perverting the course of justice and drug offences.

John Donnelly, in mitigation, told Chelmsford Crown Court his client had "expressed a great level of remorse and shame".

Since being in custody on remand for the offences, Rose had voluntarily sought support for his drug addiction, and was tested twice a week for drugs, which have all been negative.

Rose received three years in prison for robbery, two years for aggravated burglary to be served consecutively, and one month for possession of heroin, to be served concurrently, a total of five years.

Published Thursday, September 9, 2004

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