Agbrigg grandad caught burglar in a ‘bear hug’ grip

David Brown, 27, was jailed for three years on Monday over the offence at the house on Briar Grove, Agbrigg, on May 4.

Leeds Crown Court heard Brown sneaked into the house as Mohammed Chaudry was watching TV.

Mr Chaudry was looking after the house for his son at the time. When he saw the door open he was expecting to see his granddaughter but was instead confronted by Brown.

The court heard Brown initially backed away after seeing Mr Chaudry but then picked up a broom handle and raised it above his head.

Mr Chaudry then feared for his safety and grabbed Brown. He pulled him to the floor and held him in a bear hug.

His son arrived home as the struggle was taking place and helped restrain Brown. After his arrest Brown, of no fixed address, claimed he had gone into the property in search of an allen key to fix his bike which he had left outside.

Police then examined the bike and found that there was nothing wrong with it.

Brown pleaded guilty to burglary.

David Smith, mitigating, said much of Brown’s offending was linked to his addiction to heroin.