Man, 43, jailed for screwdriver burglary

A 43-year-old man has been jailed for four years and nine months after he armed himself with a screwdriver and attempted to break into a house.

At about 10pm on October 4, 2023, Joseph Delaney, previously of Lennox Walk, Northampton, knocked on a door in Helmdon Crescent, Northampton, and claimed that his mother had suffered a heart attack and needed medical attention.

The two men inside were immediately suspicious due to the information Delaney was providing and refused to open the door.

At this point, Delaney became aggressive, attempting to break into the property by smashing the door in and demanding the occupants hand over money.

Police were called and Delaney was arrested a short time later and subsequently charged with aggravated burglary.

After pleading guilty to burglary at Northampton Crown Court this week (April 8), he was sentenced on the same day to four years and nine months in prison.

Lead Investigator, Detective Constable Megan Arrieta, said: “Joseph Delaney is a dangerous man, and so I am pleased to see him jailed and taken off our streets in Northamptonshire.

“This was a really terrifying ordeal for the two victims and I want to thank them for their support during this investigation. They have shown bravery and dignity throughout and I hope that the conclusion of this case allows them to put this incident behind them.

“Tackling serious violence remains a priority for Northamptonshire Police and I am pleased that we have managed to bring Delaney to justice and get a good outcome for these two men.”