A MAN has been jailed for his role in a violent robbery at a farmhouse.

David Jolley, 40, of no fixed address was sentenced to life in prison at Preston Crown Court after pleading guilty to robbery and possession of a shotgun at an earlier hearing.

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He was ordered to serve a minimum term of six and a half years before he will be eligible for parole.

Detectives launched an investigation into the robbery which happened on the evening of Friday, November 13, 2015 when a group of three or four men wearing balaclavas forced their way into a farmhouse off a private road.

The occupant, a 50-year-old man, was tied up and threatened with a shotgun and a machete whilst the offenders made demands for money and access to the owner’s firearms.

A shotgun was fired during the incident, although no-one was hurt.

Seven firearms were taken from a gun cabinet along with ammunition and cash.

The offenders made off in the owner’s Land Rover Discovery which was later found abandoned on Thirlmere Road, Blackrod. 

Two men aged 55 and one man aged 41 were also arrested on suspicion of robbery and have been bailed pending further enquiries until 8 May.

A third man aged 20 was also arrested but was later released without charge.

The investigation remains on-going.

DI Jo Keay from South CID said: “I am pleased that Jolley has been sentenced for his part in what was a truly shocking and violent robbery.

“The victim in this case was subjected to a terrifying attack and it is fortunate that he was not seriously hurt. I hope the fact that Jolley now faces a significant period of time in jail goes some way towards helping the victim come to terms with his ordeal.

“Our investigation into this incident remains on-going and we will not stop until those responsible have been brought to account for their actions.”