Armed Robber Jailed In Southampton

A man who forced his way into a student's house in Southampton and tied him up at knifepoint is starting a seven-year jail term.

A court heard 55-year-old Hiram Braithwaite from London went to Wilton Avenue but got the wrong house  - he thought it was linked to a rival drug gang.

When he realised it was a student home and they had the wrong address he apologised, damaged the victim's mobile phone and left.

DC Liam Cook from the Operation Fortress team said: "This was a terrifying ordeal for the young man in what was ultimately a case of mistaken identity.

"Our enquiries led us to Braithwaite's property in London where we recovered evidence including seven knives and a revolver air pistol with cartridges.

"He claimed he had been paid to drive from London to Southampton but our investigation proved he played a leading role in the offence.

"His sentencing is a warning to others that through Operation Fortress we aim to make Southampton a hostile place for drug dealers and people who come here and make life unpleasant for others."

If you're concerned about drug dealing or drug-related violence where you live, call the police on 101 or email operation.fortress@hampshire.pnn.police.uk