TWO drunken cousins who brought terror to a couple of brothers after forcing their way into their Accrington home are both behind bars.
Burnley Crown Court heard how victim Brian Thomas, 25, was beaten and stabbed by Thomas Cawley who was armed with two knives.
Mr Thomas's brother Nigel Hesmondhalgh, 32, was attacked by Michael Sweeney who stamped on his head and kicked him in the face.
The victims did not know their assailants, who were looking for cash, but Sweeney lived nearby at the time, Burnley Crown Court heard.
Cawley, 20, of Manchester, admitted wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm and burglary. He was given indeterminate detention to protect the public. The defendant must serve at least two years six months in custody before he is eligible for parole and will be on licence for at least 10 years.
Sweeney, 23, a father of two, then of Belfield Road, Accrington, pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm and burglary. He was given an extended sentence of two years eight months and will serve at least one year four months.
Recorder Philip Butler told the duo, both from the travelling community, that the incident was absolutely terrifying and appalling. He added that in some senses knives were almost more horrific than guns.
Sarah Statham, prosecuting, told the court the brothers lived on Belfield Road. In the early hours of 31 August Mr Thomas answered the door and was confronted by two men he had never seen before.
Cawley pushed his way in, ordering Mr Thomas to do as he was told, and then headbutted him on the nose.
Cawley, who was followed by Sweeney, produced a boning knife. Both defendants were wearing socks on their hands.
Cawley punched Mr Thomas in the head and after the victim fell to the floor he stamped on his head repeatedly and kicked him. He demanded money from the victim and then produced a larger bread knife and stabbed him in the thigh. Mr Thomas was attacked with such force the blade broke away from the handle.
Miss Statham said Cawley then "slashed about" with the other knife, inflciting cuts to Mr Thomas's hands and arms. Meanwhile, Sweeney went upstairs after hearing Mr Hesmondhalgh phoning police, punched him in the face and stamped on him after knocking him to the floor.
Officers arrived but the defendants escaped after smashing a kitchen window.
Sweeney left blood at the scene and was later traced to Wembley and arrested in November. Cawley was arrested nearby after being tracked down by a police dog.
The prosecutor said Mr Thomas suffered a three centimetre wound, cuts, bruises and a smashed tooth while his brother received minor injuries. Since the attacks, Mr Thomas had moved back with his mother, could not sleep and was afraid to go out.
Neither defendant made any comment when interviewed by police.
Joe Boyd, for both defendants, said they were extemely drunk and were looking for money. Cawley was immature and a binge drinker who would change entirely after having alcohol.
Sweeney was very aware of the difficulties he had had in not having a father and was extremely keen to play a responsible role for his own children.
