Screwdriver threat by drug addict raider

A burglar who threatened to use a screwdriver to stab a Wolverhampton father in front of his three small children during a bungled house raid was today behind bars.

Varinder Chana, aged 25, of Tranter Close, Pendeford, broke into the home of probation officer Denise Russell while she was out at work, Wolverhampton Crown Court heard. While

Chana ransacked the property, her ex-partner returned with their three young children.

Chana lunged at Tony Brown, pushing him against a wall, before brandishing a screwdriver which he threatened to stab him with, the court was told.

Jailing Chana for three years, Judge Walsh told him: "This was a serious burglary where you used violence against the occupier.

"You forced entry into the property by smashing a window in your attempt to find items to steal to fund your drug habit."

Miss Alka Brigue, prosecuting, said Mr Brown had gone to the property in Shaw Road, Bushbury, on February 1, to drop the children off.

"He noticed a small pane of glass had been broken and left the children in the hall while he went upstairs to investigate," she said.

"He was confronted by the defendant who lunged at him and pushed him against the wall and tried to get away."

After a 15-minute struggle, Mr Brown managed to get Chana in a headlock and one of the children called the police.

"He was shaken and upset by the incident," added Miss Brigue.

Mr Brown was left with a cut to his knee, bruising behind his ear and severe pain in his back and side. Chana, who tested positive for opiates and cocaine, passed out and was taken to hospital, the court heard.

Mr Andrew Wallace, defending, said Chana's offending had got out of control as he tried to fund his drug addiction.

"The defendant did not know whose house he was breaking into and there was no link between him and the probation officer," added Mr Wallace.

"He has managed to control his drug addiction since he has been in custody and plans to move to Leicester with his family when he is released, to make a fresh start."

Chana pleaded guilty to burglary and common assault at an earlier hearing.