JOHN HENRY SWALES AND HAYDEN PRICE INVOLVE IN BRUTAL MIDDLESBROUGH HOME INVASION IN ACKLAM

In a disturbing incident that has shocked the community of Middlesbrough, particularly the residents of Acklam, a violent home invasion took place in the Brookfield area, involving two men, John Henry Swales and Hayden Price. The crime unfolded when the duo, both masked and armed, forcefully entered the residence of a 70-year-old woman who lived alone. The intruders threatened her life in a manner that left her terrified and emotionally distressed.

According to reports, Swales, aged 26, was the primary aggressor during the attack. He threatened to pour petrol over the elderly woman, a threat that underscored the severity and brutality of the assault. The victim, overwhelmed by fear, was forcibly restrained with a scarf, which the assailants used to tie her up as they demanded her valuables. The woman, who was visibly shaken and frightened, pleaded for her safety and revealed her health issues, which added to her vulnerability. Her emotional state was further compounded by the trauma of the invasion.

The assailants targeted her specifically because they perceived her as 'easy prey,' likely due to her age, frailty, and possibly her ethnicity. Their focus was on her jewelry and personal valuables, including a ring that belonged to her late mother, which held sentimental value. Despite the terrifying ordeal, the victim managed to find a moment of opportunity to escape from her captors. She quickly called her brother for help, which ultimately led to the police being involved.

John Henry Swales was no stranger to the criminal justice system. He had previously served time for other burglaries and was suspected of participating in various other criminal activities across northern England. His criminal record includes a jail sentence in 2019 for burglaries, and he had also escaped from prison in 2017. His criminal history paints a picture of a repeat offender with a history of violent and property crimes.

Following the incident, law enforcement authorities swiftly apprehended Swales. During police interviews, he confessed to his involvement in the robbery. The court proceedings saw Swales facing serious charges, and Judge Jamie Hill QC sentenced him to an additional nine years in prison. The judge emphasized the gravity of the crime, stating that Swales must take joint responsibility for what was undoubtedly a terrifying and life-threatening ordeal for the victim. The court highlighted the seriousness of such violent invasions and the fear they instill in victims, especially when the threat of death is involved. The case has once again brought attention to the ongoing issues of violent crime and vulnerability among elderly residents in Middlesbrough, particularly in the Acklam area.