ELLESMERE PORT, UK – Two men from Liverpool, Francis Constantine and Jonjo Swaine, have been sentenced to prison for orchestrating an aggravated burglary at a home in Ellesmere Port.
The sentencing took place at Chester Crown Court on Monday, June 9. Constantine, 27, currently of no fixed abode, was sentenced to 10 years in prison with an additional three years on licence after pleading guilty to aggravated burglary. Swaine, 22, of Wilburn Street, received a 30-month prison sentence after pleading guilty to one count of burglary.
The court heard that in December 2024, the victim was selling a car seat on Facebook Marketplace when Constantine and Swaine contacted her using a fake social media account. After agreeing to meet at a neutral location on Westminster Grove, Ellesmere Port, the victim was unaware that the men had instead broken into her home on Brooklyn Drive.
While the victim waited for the exchange, Constantine and Swaine forced entry into the property. The victim’s 13-year-old daughter confronted the intruders after hearing noise downstairs. Constantine threatened the teenager with a knife, warning he would “knock her out” if she approached.
During the confrontation, Swaine stole a motocross bike from the home. The pair then fled and returned to Liverpool with the stolen vehicle.
Cheshire Police launched an investigation using Facebook records, ANPR technology, and telecom data, which led to the identification and arrest of both men.
Detective Constable Emma Donaldson of Ellesmere Port CID praised the victim’s bravery and the investigation team’s efforts. “I hope these sentences serve as a warning to others considering similar crimes in Cheshire,” she said. “Thanks to swift police work, Constantine and Swaine have been held accountable.”
