AN ARMED hostage taker has been jailed for ten years for a brutal and life threatening attack.

Justin Baker-Brown, 30, of Piercys, Pitsea, held swords to two women for 12 hours before armed police burst into the property during a heroic rescue attempt.

Baker-Brown was sentenced at Basildon Crown Court to a decade behind bars for two counts of false imprisonment, after admitting to the offences in December 2018.

He was jailed on Friday for the attack last July.

Baker-Brown barricaded a woman, along with his former partner, into an address in Wythefield, Pitsea.

Between 8pm and 7am the following day, he subjected the women to a torrent of abuse, as he threw items including a coffee table, a mirror and a knife at them.

He also attempted to light a gas canister in the property and threw it at his former partner’s head.

Throughout the hostage situation he was armed with two swords and made threats to harm the women.

While he was distracted, one of the women jumped from the property’s balcony onto another balcony below and called for help.

Armed officers managed to gain access to the property, despite both the front door and bedroom door being barricaded.

The women were treated in hospital for unspecified injuries.

PC Ami Evins said: “Baker-Brown is a dangerous individual who caused his victims physical and psychological injuries.

“Thanks to the remarkable courage of the victims and the quick thinking from members of public, the community is now a lot safer place.

“This was a case of extreme domestic violence whereby the victims were falsely imprisoned and had to go through a horrific ordeal.

“Their bravery during the event and throughout the investigation has been admirable.

“I hope they now feel that they can move forward with their lives.”

Victims of either physical or emotional abuse can be supported by the police and a host of other agencies.

If you believe someone is suffering from domestic abuse, report it via 101 or 999 in an emergency.