Burglar who broke into house and attacked victim whilst he slept is jailed

Friday, 6 March 2026 15:49

Image: Wiltshire Police - Chris Talbot / Winchester - County Court

A man who broke into a Salisbury home and attacked his victim whilst he slept has been jailed.

Joshua McMenamin, 32, of Friary Lane, Salisbury, appeared at Winchester Crown Court on March 5th and was jailed for five years and seven months after pleading guilty to aggravated burglary.

In the early hours of August 7th, 2025, officers were called to an address in Centurion Close, Salisbury, following a report that a man had been woken by someone trying to attack him whilst armed with a knife.

The victim managed to retrieve the knife from McMenamin and then jumped onto a balcony and onto the ground to escape.

The victim sustained a bruised face and cuts as a result of the incident.

In a victim impact statement, the victim, who knew his attacker, said: “This incident has shaken me up. I am now extremely anxious at night. This is something that now keeps me awake at night, as I know that I might wake up and see him in my room again. It really scares me.”

PC Charlie Forster said: “This was a terrifying and traumatic experience for the victim, who was woken in the middle of the night to find an intruder who we now know was McMenamin, armed with a knife.

“When officers arrived at the scene, they located a knife as well as a safe which was located outside the property – it is believed McMenamin was attempting to make off with the contents.

“The victim has described the impact this incident has had on him, and this is totally unacceptable. Nobody should face this kind of fear in what should be the safety of their home and I am pleased that a custodial sentence has been given.”

As well as the custodial sentence, McMenamin must also pay a surcharge of £228.

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