A DRUG dealer has been jailed for six years for his role in a terrifying home invasion during which a couple were attacked with a machete and a pick axe.

Connor Griffiths, 22, wept in the dock at Liverpool Crown Court as the horrific details of the incident which took place in Rock Ferry last year were recounted by prosecutor Will Beardmore. 

Mr Beardmore described how at around 10am on April 7 2022, George Thompson-Murray was visiting Sayers to buy some breakfast when he encountered a neighbour, Joseph Westbury. 

An ongoing feud between the two resulted in an argument during which Mr Westbury issued a number of threats and said: "watch what happens now" before CCTV captured him sprinting home. 

Further footage showed him cycling round to Griffiths' flat on Old Chester Road, where the friends, by then wearing hooded jackets and face coverings, cycled together to Mr Thompson-Murray's address on Mulberry Road, Rock Ferry. 

The pair began to kick the front door in before it was opened by Mr Thompson-Murray's partner,  Sophie-Lea Blanchfield, whereupon Mr Westbury began "stabbing" at her with a machete.

Mr Thompson-Murray came to her aid and Mr Beardmore described how he "pushed Mr Westbury to the face" which removed his face covering and prompted Griffiths to join the attack. 

Mr Thompson-Murray was stabbed in the neck and back and hit in the head with a pick axe but somehow the victim managed to close the front door and keep it in place.

The attackers then tried to smash a window and climb through but they were disturbed by neighbours arriving on the scene and the pair fled. 

Mr Beardmore said Griffiths went home and immediately changed out of his clothes and into a yellow-coloured tracksuit. 

He said that Ms Blanchfield was struck twice on the arm by the machete receiving lacerations and minor bruisng while Mr Thompson-Murray was left with stab wounds and a wound to his forehead.

On June 22, police officers raided Griffiths' address where they found cannabis with an estimated street value of between £2,500-£2,900 along with digital scales, numerous mobile phones and £500 in cash. 

Reading victim impact statements to the court, Mr Beardmore said Ms Blanchfield now suffered from "fear, dread and anxiety" following the incident and had been so frightened during the attack that she had vomitted.

"These people have destroyed my life," she said. "I don't trust anyone anymore."

Mr Thompson-Murray described how he had "complex PTSD" from his time serving in the military which had now worsened leaving the victim suffering from "hyper-vigillance".

"I am always worried about who is around me and can't sleep for days on end," he said. "They are nothing but bullies and attacking a woman in this way is the lowest of the low." 

Michael Scholes, defending, said Griffiths' actions were "inexplicable" and said the 22-year-old had "expressed very real and heartfelt remorse and contrition for his dreadful behaviour".

"He (Griffiths) feels sorry he has allowed himself to be embroiled in this incident in which Mr Westbury was 'the prime mover'.

"I am told he (Mr Westbury) has gone to ground and cannot be found and perhaps that is indicitive of his personality."

Mr Scholes added that Griffiths was a father to a four-year-old boy and was "devastated that by his own stupidity he has created this dreadful situation for his son."

Sentencing Griffiths, who pleaded guilty to charges of attempted aggravated burglary and possession of cannabis with intent to supply, Recorder Eric Lamb, said: "You were a willing recruit clad with face covering and a dark hooded jacket.

"You revealed your true purpose by taking a pick axe and you were not shy to take a weapon and use it.

"Had the two of you been able to gain entry you would have inflicted far more serious injuries."