TWO men who terrified two couples by invading their homes, stealing from them and assaulting a woman have been jailed for almost 20 years.

Colin Lindsay, 22, and his accomplice Kevin Tully, 31, forced entry to a house on Dolphin Road in the Currie area of Edinburgh in the early hours of Sunday, February 11.

Disturbing the occupants and stealing cash and jewellery, they threatened the couple in their 60s with knives.

The female female victim was struck over the head with a blunt object and required hospital treatment.

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Then, on the evening of the following day, the pair entered a house in Milligan Drive in The Wisp area of the city, forcing the occupants to hand over items including jewellery, electronics and cash.

They, again, threatened the couple with knives, and the female victim in this robbery was pregnant.

Detectives immediately launched a large-scale inquiry and Lindsay and Tully were arrested later that week.

They pleaded guilty to the robberies at the High Court in Glasgow on June 16.

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Today (July 26), Tully was sentenced to nine years’ imprisonment and Lindsay to ten years and six months.

Detective Inspector Graham Grant said: “These were extremely frightening attacks on two couples in their own homes.

“The bravery they displayed when confronted by these thugs shouting orders and brandishing machetes and knuckle dusters is truly outstanding, and it’s partly thanks to the very detailed accounts they were able to give while under immense stress that we were able to identify the offenders so quickly.

“I would also commend the officers who worked on this case for their efforts in swiftly tracing and arresting these men and presenting a case which saw them admit their guilt in court.

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“No-one should have to be subjected to such violence in the place they should feel safest.

“These incidents were extremely unusual with a person being assaulted during one robbery even rarer still, and I’d like to thank the people of Edinburgh for their support for the victims and our investigation.

“These intimidating, brazen criminals have been brought to justice and will spend a lengthy period of time in prison and not posing a danger to the public.

“Their conviction and sentencing should serve as a reminder that we will work tirelessly to put before the courts anyone who displays such needless violence and threatens the safety of our communities here in the capital.”