A COUPLE who carried out a knife attack on a man in his own home are facing potentially lengthy prison sentences.

Robert Matthew Carr and Debbie Traynor struck at the home of the 51-year-old victim, in Consett, County Durham, at about midnight, on September 8 last year.

Carr was said to have begun the attack when the householder opened the door, before summoning assistance from Traynor to help overpower the victim, who suffered a fractured eye socket and several other injuries.

They are said to have then taken a mobile phone and £70 in cash before fleeing the property, in Elmdale Road.

The pair were arrested in the wake of the incident and have since remained in custody.

Having previously denied charges of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily and aggravated burglary, the couple were to stand trial his week.

But after Carr admitted a new third charge of inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent, the prosecution agreed to accept Traynor’s plea to the slightly lesser offence of unlawful wounding, to account for her role in the attack.

Judge Christopher Prince adjourned sentence to allow preparation of background reports on both defendants.

But he said both have “appalling records”, including previous serious violence, and should expect to receive substantial prison sentences.

Judge Prince said in the light of Carr’s record, in particular, he was considering passing an extended sentence, if he is perceived to pose a danger of repeat offences.

Carr, 30, of Gladstone Street, and 33-year-old Traynor, of Saxon Terrace, both Consett were remanded in custody until the sentencing hearing, next month.