A KNIFE-wielding masked man who followed a woman into her friend’s home before robbing her has been jailed.

The woman was housesitting for a friend when three masked men forced their way into the property in Sacriston in March last year.

Once inside, they forced the woman onto a kitchen chair and held her at knifepoint before taking several personal items.

David Laddie was identified as one of the suspects and was found guilty of robbery, attempting to pervert the course of justice and possession of criminal property.

The 34-year-old also pleaded guilty to handling stolen goods in relation to an earlier burglary which happened in February 2018, during which the suspects broke into the home of a 92-year-old woman while she was asleep and stole sentimental jewellery.

Laddie appeared at Teesside Crown Court on October 31 where he was sentenced to 12-and-a-half years in prison.

Another man who was jointly charged for the robbery was found not guilty. The third suspect has not been identified.

Detective Constable Sarah Hindmarsh, from Chester-Le-Street CID, said: “This was an extremely terrifying incident for the victim who was deliberately targeted as they knew the occupants were away on holiday.

“Laddie’s sentence reflects both the severity of this offence and the impact this crime has had on the victim, but also reflects how serious an offence is to pervert the course of justice.

“Sadly we still have not recovered jewellery stolen from the burglary in February, which happened in Ashford Drive, in Sacriston, and I would appeal to anyone who may have information to come forward.”

Call Chester-Le-Street CID on 101 if you have any information in relation to the stolen property.