Violent Darlington thug jailed after attack on neighbour

A thug who terrorised his neighbours with two knives and threatened to set them on fire has been jailed.

Ryan Love armed himself with the weapons before barging his way into the home where he doused a couple and their friend within with petrol, last September.

The balaclava-clad 31-year-old proceeded to tell them he’d set them alight and that they were all going to die.

Love also slashed one of the victims across the face before throwing ornaments, a fridge and hoover at them and attacking another victim with a metal bar.

One of the victims, a woman in her 60s, said it was not until she heard Love’s voice that she recognised her attacker.

One of the victims managed to call 999, with officers blue lighting to the scene and arrested Love as he ran at them with a knife still in his hand.

He was arrested and charged with aggravated burglary, assault causing actual bodily harm and grievous bodily harm with intent.

Love originally pleaded not guilty but later changed his plea and was sentenced to 15 years and eight months in prison at Teesside Crown Court on June 12.

DC Zoe Hollifield, of Darlington CID, led the investigation.

She said: “Love carried out a brutal and unprovoked attack on the victims who have all been left physically and mentally scarred by his horrendous actions.

“I want to commend the victims for their courage throughout the investigation and court proceedings and hope the extended sentence can give them some comfort so that they can begin to rebuild their lives.”