Judge Michael Baker praised the victims of a burglary at the Harvester in Croxley Green for their bravery.
Simon Cousins and his wife Nicole were attacked in their beds in the early hours of Monday, July 17, 2006, by two men wielding knives.
At St Albans Crown Court today career criminal Jason Garland, 33, of Croxley view, Watford, was given an indeterminate prison sentence, meaning he could spend the rest of his life behind bars.
His accomplice Stephen Ruffolo, 23, of Sutton Road, Watford, who had no previous convictions, was jailed for eight years.
After sentencing Judge Baker recommended the Cousins receive commendations for bravery. They fought the pair off and they finally fled the burglary empty handed.
The defendants were found guilty of aggravated burglary and GBH.
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