A ROBBER who stole a man’s rent and money for household bills as an accomplice choked him unconscious has been locked up for a further five years.

Nathan Andersen – who has a history of violence, and was once at the centre of a stand-off with police on a bridge after a double-stabbing – is already serving a five years for burglary.

The new sentence will start once his current one ends, Judge Peter Armstrong told the 32-year-old Stockton man at Teesside Crown Court today.

Andersen was one of two men at the home of another in Yarm Road, Stockton, when in the early hours they were asked to leave because the tenant wanted to sleep.

The victim was asked for money, and when he said he had none, Andersen suggested they should go to a cashpoint, which was also refused.

Andersen’s co-accused – to be dealt with later in court – threw a punch at the man, then throttled him, as Andersen rifled through his pockets and took £500.

In a statement, the victim said: “I understand I have been a little naive trusting these two lads. I honestly feared for my life when I was losing consciousness, trying desperately to loosen the arms around my throat

“I am going to have to find the money to pay my bills. I’m now really scared living in my own home. I fear I may be the victim of intimidation, but I am determined this will not happen to anyone else.”

Andersen, of Briar Road, Thornaby, admitted robbery, and was told by Judge Armstrong: “A robbery in someone’s home is always a serious offence.”

Liam O’Brien, mitigating, said Andersen was making the most of his time behind bars, working as a cleaner, doing a bricklaying course, and has been put forward for a scheme to work on the HS2 train project on his release.

Mr O’Brien said: “Mr Andersen’s record is a very bad one. It has a large number of serious offences on it, but it would be wrong to say that is the only side to his character.

“When he is not taking drugs, he is a personable, engaging man, who is pleasant to deal with.”