Beech, of Arborfield Cross, Reading, pleaded guilty to robbery and burglary at a multi-occupancy address on Aldershot Road at 9.45pm on Sunday, April 23 2017.

Police officers were quick to arrive at the property and detained the 45-year-old before he had a chance to make off.

Beech forced entry into the property and once inside he stole a number of items from one of the rooms. He then tried to break down another door in an attempt to obtain money from the occupants inside. Fearing for their safety, they have barricaded themselves inside the room whilst passing money to Beech under the door.

On Friday, 26 May at Guildford Crown Court, Beech pleaded guilty to stealing the following items:

• A quantity of cash
• 10 x 25 boxes of cigarettes
• Black Nokia Lumia mobile phone
• Black HTC One Touch mobile phone
• Nokia phone charger
• Bottle of Davidoff cologne.

Detective Constable Aodhan Lawrence said “This was obviously a terrifying ordeal for the victims who had to endure Beech shouting at them through door demanding they handed over money.

“We commend their bravery and calmness during the ordeal and hope the victims now take some comfort from the sentence Beech has been given.”