THE home of a burglary victim was attacked prior to his appearance in the witness box.

Teesside Crown Court heard that Roy Hutchinson, 52, was alone in his first-floor flat reading and listening to music on a Saturday evening when three men pushed inside, asking for a man called Mark.

Mr Hutchinson said he did not know anybody by that name, but one of the gang searched the house while the others stopped the owner from moving.

Paul Cleasby, prosecuting, said they stole £20 and a mobile phone, and threatened: "We'll be back."

Police arrested two men who Mr Hutchinson identified, but his windows were smashed before the case went to court.

Mr Hutchinson moved out of his flat in Hartlepool, but he was prepared to be a witness in a trial, the court was told.

One suspect, Lee Flounders, who had served prison sentences for manslaughter and firearms offences, was caught making a phone call from Holme House Prison, Stockton, asking Gavin Wilson to ensure that Mr Hutchinson did not attend court, by "waving a shooter in his face" if necessary.

Wilson, 27, of Pope Grove, Hartlepool, was found guilty of conspiracy on December 10 to intimidate a witness.

Flounders, 32, formerly of West View Road, Hartlepool, pleaded guilty, and admitted, along with Andrew Turner, 34, of Cranbourne Terrace, Stockton, the April 17 burglary.

Judge Les Spittle jailed Flounders for three years and three months plus 27 days left from his last sentence, Wilson for 18 months plus 305 days from his last sentence, and Turner for two years.