A 30-year-old man has been handed a ten year sentence after he was found guilty of offences including an aggravated burglary which left a young woman terrified.

Michael Lee Townsend forced his way into the Cambridge Square apartment, Middlesbrough, at around 3am in October 2017 where a woman in her mid-twenties was asleep.

Cleveland Police said he threatened her with a hammer and pushed her off the bed before ransacking the bedroom, stealing jewellery and car keys.

Investigating Officer Detective Constable Jo Williams said: “This young woman was asleep alone in the apartment when Townsend smashed his way into the address, leaving her terrified. I welcome the sentence given to him and hope that his time in prison will allow him to reflect on his actions.”