A teenager who smashed his way into the home of a young couple in Feltham, before escaping with jewellery and money, has been jailed, according to police.
Raene Barnes, 19, of South Oak Road in Lambeth, was found guilty of aggravated burglary by a jury sitting at Isleworth Crown Court, police said.
He was sentenced on September 4, police added, to serve nine years detention in a young offenders' institution.
On February 27, a couple, both in their early 20s, heard beating at their door and as they got out of bed were confronted by up to six men wearing hoods, with some carrying knives, police said the court was told.
The terrified female victim watched as the gang ransacked her house before she was led back to the bedroom where she could see her partner, a male victim, being punched and threatened with a knife.
The men stole £40 from the woman and took the man's watch, gold ring, games console and mobile phone, police said.
The thugs then left the house but were confronted by two police officers who had been called to reports of a break-in and were able to detain Barnes after a violent struggle. The rest of the gang managed to escape.
Officers searched Barnes and found a ring and watch which had been stolen during the burglary.
A police dog found a bag that contained most of the property that had been stolen.
Barnes denied that he had been involved in the crime, but a jury found him guilty.
Speaking after the hearing, Detective Constable Matt McGreig said: "Those who force their way into people's homes to commit crime can rightly expect a severe sentence.
"This man's lengthy detention is deserved as he subjected his victims to a terrifying ordeal.
"Thankfully neither of the victims suffered serious injury and a fast police response meant that Barnes was quickly caught and most of the stolen property recovered.
"Enquires continue to find the others responsible for this crime."
Anyone with information about the crime should call police on 101 or phone Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 if you do not want to give your name.
