Uncle's shock after balaclava-wearing intruder unmasked as his own nephew

24-YEAR-OLD SMASHED A WINDOW TO BREAK IN

- By MARK NAYLOR

A BALACLAVA-wearing intruder was carrying a knife and petrol with him when he targeted his own uncle’s home after midnight and smashed a window to break in.

The terrified uncle suddenly heard the sound of smashing glass and hurriedly went to investigate. The two men ended up scuffling before the nephew managed to break free and escape.

But he was confronted and detained by a quick-thinking neighbour before being unmasked and his identity revealed - to the great shock of his uncle, Hull Crown Court heard.

Dylan Mandam, 24, formerly of Endike Lane, Hull, but recently in custody on remand, admitted assaulting his uncle, possessing a knife and causing criminal damage on March 10. He also admitted separate offences of dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, taking a vehicle without the owner's consent, two offences of possessing a blade and others of having no insurance and driving licence on April 2.

Connor Stuart, prosecuting, said that Mandam’s uncle was in bed at his Hull home just after midnight when he heard a window smash. He saw a man wearing a balaclava inside his home. There was a struggle between them and the intruder was swinging out at him.