A young father-of-three was jailed for four and half years today for his part in a violent home invasion which left an elderly couple with severe injuries.
Lance Kenneth Collard, 25, pleaded guilty to the brutal attack which happened in the victims’ Tuart Hill home on March 15. He was sentenced to a total of six years and three months for that and seven other offences.
Mario Pesce, 74, had a vase smashed in his face during the horrific attack and his wife Tina, 70, suffered head injuries when she was thrown to the ground by the intruders.
Justice Stephen Hall described Mr Pesce’s injuries as shocking and said Collard preyed on two elderly and vulnerable people who could not defend themselves against the “youth and strength” of Collard and his accomplice.
The Supreme Court heard today that Collard was under the influence of methamphetamines when the intruders entered the Pesce’s Wanneroo Road house that evening through an unlocked back door.
The grandparents had fallen asleep in front of the television at 8.30pm when they were awoken by Collard and his accomplice, who were armed with knives and a car jack handle and demanded money.
Despite Mr Pesce handing over $40 from his wallet, a prolonged attack ensued. Mr Pesce was slapped, had a vase smashed in his face and had a chair thrown at him. Mrs Pesce was knocked to the ground and marched at knifepoint to the couple’s safe.
Mr Pesce suffered a broken nose, extensive facial cuts and bruises and severe bruising to his body, while his wife, who is 162cm tall, suffered severe cuts and bruises to her arms and head injures.
Collard’s co-defendant Matthew Wayne Winmar pleaded not guilty to the same charge and his case was adjourned until August 19.
