A BROTHER and sister who plotted an armed raid on an elderly couple at their home in Wythall have had their prison sentences reduced at Worcester Crown Court.

Judge Robert Juckes QC said he had reviewed the case and decided that the initial 10-year sentence against 26-year-old Luke Egginton, of Shawfields, Wythall, should be cut to six years.

He was found guilty of conspiracy to commit burglary but was cleared of taking part in the raid.

He has already lodged an appeal.

Amy Egginton, aged 25, of Beilby Road, Stirchley in Birmingham, alleged to have plotted the raid in January 2014, was jailed initially for nine years and nine months, which included three months for breaking her bail and failing to turn up for sentencing.

She admitted aggravated burglary and conspiracy to commit the offence.

Judge Juckes adjusted her sentence to eight years.

The couple, who watched the hearing on video link from prison, were said to have been involved in the raid at the home of company director Nirmal Gupta and his wife Saroj after they learned about money kept in the house.

The trial jury heard that Mr Gupta answered a knock at the door of his home in Alcester Road, Wythall, and was pushed to the floor as three masked intruders armed with a knife and taser burst in.

Two unknown men held the Guptas downstairs while Amy Egginton went upstairs and stole five purses containing a total of £6,000.

The Egginton's mother, who had worked as a cleaner for the Guptas, was also accused of conspiracy but was acquitted after a trial.

Amy Egginton, a mother with three children all aged under 10, was said to have received £1,200 as her share from the raid, which had caused the Guptas to move house in fear of what had happened.