A JUDGE has jailed two drug-addicted friends for a terrifying "sword-point" robbery on a residential Carlisle street. 

Alfie McIntosh, 21, was jailed for three years nine months, while his co-defendant Ryan Worby, 23, was given a jail term of three years and ten months. Both admitted robbery while Worby also pleaded guilty to possessing an offensive weapon.

Their crime came to light on the morning of March 22, when the victim made a 999 call.

He reported that he had just been robbed at sword-point as he was making his way home after a nightshift. He was walking home through a cut between Osborne Avenue and Priory Road when he felt a tap on the shoulder.

When he turned around, he was confronted by Worby, who held the sword. McIntosh was standing nearby, carrying what the man believes was either an axe or a length of wood.

The robbers demanded that he hand over his property – the headphones he had been using, his rucksack and a phone. The men then yelled at the man, ordering him to empty his pockets, where he had a key and lighter

Speaking on the case Detective Constable Sarah Brookes said Worby, of Newcastle Street, Carlisle, and McIntosh, of Raffles Avenue, put the victim through what was "a horrific ordeal."

“Armed with weapons they were intent in causing their victim fear," she said.

“Offences of this nature are unacceptable, and today’s sentence reflects the seriousness taken by the courts and that we will do everything we can to bring criminals to justice.”

This story is based on a Cumbria Police press release. For a full report of the sentencing hearing, including mitigation and the judge’s comments, see newsandstar.co.uk tomorrow.