Man jailed over violent Northampton burglary in which homeowners were threatened with crowbar

Northamptonshire Police said at about 7.50pm on October 15, 2025, Joseph Delaney, aged 45, was part of a gang that targeted an address in Whitesands Way and threatened the homeowners with a crowbar.

The spokesperson said: “After hearing the rear door window being smashed, the occupants called 999. Two of the offenders entered the lounge, pushed the woman onto a chair and snatched her mobile phone, while their accomplices searched the house.

“Seeing an opportunity to escape, the woman ran from the address and raised the alarm, prompting the offenders to flee the scene in a car. Fortunately, neither victim was physically injured.

“When arrested on December 3, for driving offences in Leicestershire, a routine check on the Police National Computer revealed that he was wanted in connection with the Northampton burglary after fingerprints recovered from the scene matched his,” the spokesperson added.

After pleading guilty at an earlier hearing, Delaney, formerly of Mere Lane in Lutterworth, was sentenced at Leicester Crown Court on July 20 to 43 months' imprisonment, Northamptonshire Police said.

Detective Sergeant Jo Morris, of the West CID Team, who led the investigation, said: "Joseph Delaney poses a significant danger to the public, and there is no doubt that Northamptonshire is a safer place with him in prison.

"This was a frightening experience for the two victims, and I would like to thank them for the courage and support they showed throughout the investigation. I hope the outcome of this case helps them draw a line under this distressing incident.

"Everyone has the right to feel safe in their own home, and the impact of a crime such as this should never be underestimated. That is why we will always do everything we can to bring offenders to justice and put more people like Delaney behind bars."