TWO men will serve nine-year jail terms for their part in masked robbery at a farmhouse that left their victims traumatised..

Michael Allen, 53, of Windle Street, Cowley Hill and Mark Bennett, 46,of Rodney Street, Newtown appeared at Chester Crown Court, where they both pleaded guilty to robbery and were each sentenced to nine years behind bars.

The incident took place on the evening of Saturday, February 11 when Allen and Bennett, along with an unknown third accomplice, forced entry into a large detached farmhouse on the outskirts of Tarvin, near Chester.

Once inside the address the men, who were all disguised in balaclavas, threatened the occupants with weapons, causing serious injuries to one of the victims.

They then went on to ransack the property, stealing a number of items, before fleeing the scene.

They were arrested following an extensive investigation by Chester CID.

Detective Constable Stephen Owens from Cheshire Constabulary, said: "To be the victim of any violence is distressing enough, but to be the victim of masked armed assailants in your own home is even more traumatic.

“These men left their victims distraught and violated, having been targeted in their own their own homes, a place where people should be able to feel safe and secure.

“While the victim has now recovered from the injuries that they sustained on that day, the mental trauma will not simply disappear; although I do hope the sentences handed to Allen and Bennett will help the victims move on with their lives.”

Detective Inspector Karen Jaundrill added: “This successful operation is a testament to the dedicated team of detectives and forensic staff working together to make sure those responsible were stopped in their tracks and put before the courts.

“As a result of the overwhelming evidence gathered by the team both Allen and Bennett were left with no option but to plead guilty to the crime, and now they will both face the consequences of their actions.

“We will continue to target those who think they can come into Cheshire to commit crime.

“Anyone who witnesses suspicious activity should contact police on 101 to help us to prevent crime and support us in continuing to bring offenders to justice.”