A THUG was today facing a 10-year jail sentence after a man was stabbed in the neck and badly beaten in a shocking house raid.

Linden George, 34, was among a gang of men who burst inside a house in Basingstoke Road, Reading.

They forced their way in before the 26-year-old man was brutally attacked, suffering stab wounds to his neck and bruising all over his body.

The gang then ransacked the man's belongings before fleeing the scene on January 30.

Police eventually caught up with George in January and charged him with robbery, which he denied.

However, he was jailed for 10 years after being convicted by a jury at Reading Crown Court.

A spokesman for Thames Valley Police said: "At around 4.40pm a 26-year-old man was in his home in Basingstoke Road, Reading, when a group of men forced their way into his house and assaulted him.

"The offenders then stole the victim's property before escaping.

"The victim sustained a stab wound to his neck and cuts and bruising to his hands, arms and legs. He required hospital treatment and has since been discharged.

"George was arrested and charged in connection with the offence on 29 April this year."

George, of Ordell Road, Tower Hamlets, London, faced a four-day trial but was convicted of a single count of robbery by a unanimous jury.

Detective constable Adrian Counsell added: "This victim was subjected to a vicious attack in his own home. This sentence shows that violent crime will not be tolerated within Thames Valley Police.

"I would like to commend the victim for his bravery throughout the investigation and the trial."