Brothers jailed over robberies

Two brothers, who repeatedly robbed an elderly Teesside man in his own home, have been jailed for a total of 10 years between them.

Teesside Crown Court was told that 66-year-old Peter Taylor was repeatedly attacked in his bed by the pair.

The court heard Mr Taylor only reported the violence to police after he was attacked for the fourth time, because he feared reprisals.

Guy Carling, 27, of no fixed address and his 18-year-old brother Liam from Mulgrave Road, Middlesbrough, both pleaded guilty to robbery.

The court heard Guy Carling made Mr Taylor hand over money and then threatened that he would be back.

'Terrifying attacks'

The brothers carried out the robberies while they were high on crack cocaine and alcohol.

Judge Les Spittle said they were terrifying attacks on a vulnerable man living alone.

Guy Carling was jailed for seven years, after admitting three robberies and one attempted robbery in February and March 2003.

Liam Carling was sent to a young offender's institution for three years after he pleaded guilty to two robberies.