His attack was so ferocious that Mr Swales feared they were in a “life and death” situation, said John Brennan, prosecuting.
Stephenson used his fists and the hammer he was already carrying to rain blow after blow on Mrs Swales, even slamming her head into a wall.
Stephenson, who had fled with only £5 cash and a mobile phone, was trapped after the jacket and gloves he had abandoned in a nearby cemetery were found to contain both his DNA and stains of Mrs Swales blood. Even then the addict lied in police interviews, claiming he was innocent. He pleaded guilty only when the forensic evidence was presented to his legal team.
Passing sentence at Newcastle Crown Court yesterday, Judge Guy Whitburn said: “This is as serious robbery of two people in their own home as one can imagine.”
He ordered Stephenson must serve a minimum of five years before he can be considered for parole.
Mr and Mrs Swales were both in court to see Stephenson punished.
Shaun Routledge, defending, said Stephenson had staged the “horrendous” attack only on the spur of the moment.
“He is extremely sorry for what he has done and takes full responsibility,” Mr Routledge said. “He is full of regret. It was a horrendous crime.”
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