A MAN who kidnapped a retired GP and his wife in a ‘targeted’ robbery has been warned he is facing a possible life sentence.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Dr Arthur Manuel and his wife Frances Manuel were attacked in their home and forced to hand over cash, jewellery and the keys to their Mercedes SLK.

They were then driven to a cash point where they were ordered to withdraw more money but instead ran into the shop and raised the alarm.

Appearing before Judge Beverley Lunt, James Evans, of Sankey House Farm, Whinney Hill Road, Accrington, pleaded guilty to two counts of robbery and two counts of kidnap.

The 50-year-old also pleaded guilty to taking a vehicle without authority and driving while disqualified in Paradise Street, Accrington. A further matter of driving with excess alcohol will be put to him at the next hearing.

The court heard that Evans was out of prison on licence when he committed the latest robbery, having served half of a 12-year jail sentence for a similar crime.

Warning Evans that he faces a long custodial sentence, Judge Lunt said: “There is no question in my mind that Evans is a dangerous offender. Robbery carries life. I am starting with life imprisonment in my mind. I am going to need a proper pre-sentence report with a dangerousness assessment so I can consider that with great care.”

Defending, Mark Stuart said his client had not taken a knife with him to the property and it was Mrs Manuel who picked it up from a drawer.

Mr Stuart said: “Can I make the matters plain from the defendant’s point of view.

“He knows this places him in a very serious position. The defendant didn’t take a weapon into the premises with him.

“There is a knife but, and this is no criticism whatsoever because she was perfectly right to do so, Mrs Manuel picked up the knife when she went into a drawer and it then became involved.

“He knows it’s a lengthy custodial sentence. He will be hoping to persuade your honour that it’s one of a determinate length rather than indeterminate length. He would be willing to be sentenced today.”

Evans was remanded into custody for the preparation of a pre-sentence report. He will be sentenced at Burnley Crown Court on March 27.

Judge Lunt added: “The probation service will be in touch with you. It will be in your interest to co-operate with them. But whatever happens, whether there is a report or not, I will sentence you on March 27.

“It’s going to be a significantly long sentence. All options as to how long will be considered by me once I know more about you.”