TWO men have been jailed for a total of 11 years after beating a man with batons before robbing hundreds of pounds worth of goods from his home.

Sam Smith, 27, and John Morton, 23, were part of a gang of four men wearing balaclavas who burst into a house in Burton Court, Peterborough, on the afternoon of April 14, last year.

They attacked the 39-year-old occupant with batons and punched and kicked him while he lay on the floor.

They took his watch before holding him captive in his living room while they ransacked the house, stealing cash, a mobile phone and a digital camera.

However, when Smith went to close the curtains of the living room, the victim took his chance to escape, fighting his way past two of the men and jumping out of a window to get help.

The victim recognised Smith and later picked out Morton in an ID parade - he had removed his balaclava during the robbery.

Police arrested Smith and discovered a balaclava at his home in Ringstead, Kettering.

They denied robbery but were both convicted following a three-day trial at Huntingdon Crown Court.

Smith was jailed for six years, while Morton, of Cedar Grove, Peterborough, was sentenced to five.

Pc Stuart Cooper said: “This was a terrifying experience for the victim who said he feared for his life during the incident.

“To attack someone in their own home is not acceptable and this case should serve as a warning that anyone who commits such violence faces a long time behind bars.”