TWO men responsible for a 'terrifying' robbery in Carlisle during which they held their victims captive and fired a gun are facing years in jail.

A judge issued that warning at the city’s crown court to Jordan Barrett and Ted Richards, both 23. They were due to be sentenced but the case was adjourned so lawyers can deal with unresolved legal issues.

Recorder Samantha Presland said the court needed more evidence about the impact of the 'horrific' robbery on the two young men who were the victims of the offence in February, 2020.

Barrett, of Red Bank Square, Carlisle, and Richards, of Southwark, London, each admitted two counts of robbery and two of false imprisonment. Both appeared before the court via remote video links.

Explaining the adjournment, the judge said the court needed to know the prognosis for the two victims and the prospects of their recovery, pointing out that ultimate sentence will depend on these facts.

If the psychological impact of the crime is found to be lifelong, said the judge, it could make the difference between a shorter sentence, with a starting point of eight years, and one starting at 13 years.

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As the victims and their families listened from the court’s public gallery, Recorder Presland said it was 'incredibly regrettable' that the case was being adjourned, two and a half years after the offences.

“It must have been absolutely, utterly terrifying,” she said, noting that the victims were then faced with the horror of Covid lockdown.

But the extent of the damage inflicted on the victims would make a big difference to the sentence that will be imposed on Barrett and Richards, she said. Conclusions about the medical impact of the robbery and false imprisonment needed to be verified by medical evidence.

“The prosecution need [to present] evidence that this is long-term,” said the judge noting that the defendants were both young men of previous good character.

Addressing the victims directly, the Recorder said: “I apologise to the victims in court with their families.

“This is about ensuring that this sentence is in the appropriate category. I don’t like adjourning matters but this makes a huge difference.

"I am sure you want the impact on you  to be properly reflected in the sentence.

“And likewise, it is being fair to the defendants, who are also young defendants… The sentence is going to be measured in years.”

Richards was represented by defence lawyer Mark Shepherd and Barrett by defence lawyer Jeff Smith.

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