A man with a wooden leg led a gang of armed vigilantes who burst into a family's home because they suspected a man was selling drugs to children.

Robert Cooper, 48, led the five-strong gang wearing balaclava masks as they forced their way into a house in Poynings Avenue, Hove.

Although he was not armed the other members of the gang all had kitchen knives with them, Brighton Crown Court was told.

Cooper, who was high on a cocktail of drink, ecstasy and cocaine, tried to force his way into the bedroom of the man they were looking for.

The victim clung desperately to the door to try to prevent Cooper and the others getting in but was no match for them.

He was thrown onto the bed as Cooper tried to rip a 42inch television from the bedroom wall.

David Povall, prosecuting, said: “Allegations were made that methadone had been sold to children in the area.”

Mr Povall added that four of the gang fled after two adults in the house managed to phone the police.

He said Cooper remained behind and removed his balaclava. A samurai sword was then used to keep him in the house until police arrived.

Mr Povall said: “There was a strange twist to the ending of this amateurish incident when one of the men involved brought the family's dog back after it ran onto the street.

“A week later a laptop stolen from the house was returned and found on the doorstep.”

Cooper pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary at the house in the early hours of August 22.

Lewes Power, defending, said: “This was a form of vigilante act that all went horribly wrong.”

Judge Anthony Scott-Gall jailed Cooper for four years.