Wolverhampton robber admits raid on Pattingham couple

A man from Wolverhampton today admitted his part in a terrifying armed raid at the luxury home of a millionaire businessman.

Businessman Richard Barnfather and his fiancée Deborah Leadbetter were tied up, threatened and beaten by three masked men armed with a gun at their home in Lower Rudge, near Pattingham, on March 9.

The gang stole jewellery thought to be worth £50,000, two mobile phones and three top-of-the-range cars – an Aston Martin, Mercedes and Range Rover, which were found abandoned in Tipton, Smethwick and Wolverhampton.

Nathan McDonald, of Merridale Street West, Merridale, appeared at Shrewsbury Crown Court today.

The 21-year-old pleaded guilty to charges of robbery and possession of an imitation firearm. Adjourning the case, Judge Robin Onions warned McDonald to expect a "long custodial sentence" when he returns in August.

Two other men, aged 48 and 17, were also arrested by police in connection with the robbery and remain on police bail. Mr Barnfather owns the country's largest independent wire manufacturer, Barnfather Wire Ltd, based in Darlaston.