Knife-wielding robber jailed after ransacking Selkirk home - leaving victim 'terrified'
A robber who ransacked a man's home after threatening him with a knife - leaving him "terrified" - has today (Monday) been jailed for 20 months.
Bartek Janicki stole a mobile phone, £120 in cash and medication after bursting into his victim's home in Selkirk.
The 20-year-old gained entry to the property in Thornfield Crescent after the resident heard a noise outside his door and mistook him for a door-to-door seller.
Jedburgh Sheriff Court heard the Polish national became aggressive and told him to sit down before picking up a knife, and brandishing it at him.
The incident unfolded around 1.45pm on November 12th last year.
India McLean, prosecuting, said Janicki shouted he was going to rob the man and smash up his property - adding he knew he had drugs and wanted possession of them.
Police were alerted but Janicki continued ransacking the property until a neighbour disturbed him and he ran off, before officers later caught up with him.
READ MORE: Woman left shaken after being robbed by man in Earlston
The court heard Janicki, who appeared from custody, has a history with drugs. But his solicitor, Liam Alexander, said his client's view is it's easier to get help in prison.
Passing sentence, Sheriff Peter Paterson warned Janicki an unprovoked assault on an innocent man is an extremely serious offence. Coupled with his record, he said there was no option other than to jail him.
"Whether that will ultimately end up in your deportation I don't know," he added.
Janicki's sentence was backdated to November 13th, when he was first remanded in custody in connection with the case.
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