Father Defends Family, Stabs Intruder During Violent Burglary

A father in Selby, North Yorkshire, fatally stabbed an armed intruder during a violent burglary that left him beaten in front of his family. The incident occurred in March 2022 when a gang of six masked men broke into the home while the father was with his partner and two young children. As the intruders assaulted him with a crowbar, the father defended himself, ultimately stabbing one of the assailants.

The unnamed father attempted to save the injured intruder after the remaining five fled the scene in a getaway vehicle and called emergency services. North Yorkshire Police and Yorkshire Ambulance Service paramedics arrived quickly, but the intruder was pronounced dead at the scene.

North Yorkshire Police described the gang as armed and wearing dark clothing and balaclavas. A spokesperson stated, “They beat the man with a crowbar and punched him repeatedly. But the man fought back to defend himself, taking a knife during the struggle and stabbing one of the intruders.”

Following the attack, authorities launched a manhunt for the five remaining suspects. Within 48 hours, detectives and local policing teams utilized various intelligence sources to apprehend the individuals involved.

The homeowner faced no criminal charges, as his actions were deemed a legitimate self-defense response to protect his family. The five men apprehended were later convicted of aggravated burglary and received a combined sentence of 70 years in prison. Those sentenced include Alan James Hall, 34, of Selby; Daniel Welford, 32, of Pontefract; Max Jackson, 33, of Stockton on the Forest; Kallan Hunt, 35, of no fixed address; and Andrew Richardson, 38, of Doncaster.

During police interviews, Welford admitted to being present but claimed he was unaware of the gang’s intentions. Richardson denied involvement, asserting that he arrived at the scene only after learning about the stabbing. Hall initially denied any wrongdoing but later remained silent when confronted with evidence, including blood found at the crime scene.

The investigation utilized advanced forensic techniques, including CCTV analysis, fingerprinting, and DNA testing, to connect the suspects to the crime. A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police noted, “The intricate investigation used traditional and digital forensic opportunities to identify all five individuals, placing them together before, during, and after the offence.”

In October 2023, all five were formally charged with aggravated burglary. Due to the number of defendants and a backlog of court cases, the trial was held at Leeds Crown Court but could not begin until July 2025. Hall and Richardson ultimately pleaded guilty on the first day of the trial, while the other three maintained their innocence. The jury found them guilty of aggravated burglary.

Earlier this month, Hall and Welford each received a sentence of 13 years, while Richardson and Hall were sentenced to 11 years and 4 months each. Hunt was classified as a dangerous offender and sentenced to 19 years, with an additional five years on extended license after his release.

Detective Sergeant Jon Kenworthy of North Yorkshire Police’s Major Investigation Team commented, “This was a premeditated, violent, and distressing attack on the victims, who were home with two very young children. Violent acts of this nature committed on North Yorkshire communities are rare but will not go unpunished.”

He added, “Today’s outcome sends a clear reminder to anyone who decides to go masked up, tooled up intending to cause acts of violence to people and property, of the risks and consequences.”

Several members of the investigation team received commendations for their diligent work in securing convictions, reflecting the police’s commitment to ensuring justice in violent crime cases.