The terrified pair were then tied up and the woman's engagement and wedding rings ripped off her fingers.

The couple's Ferrari, valued at £100,000 and a £65,000 Aston Martin were also taken

On August 21, 2008, the raiders burst into a home on Manor Grove, Kirkby, with a gun, a machete and a kitchen knife.

The householder was told to lie on his face, while the men emptied the house.

In other raids, Audis, BMWs, Land Rovers and Minis were taken, as well as a masses of cash, jewellery and valuables, including an air rifle. All the men pleaded guilty to conspiracy to burgle and conspiracy to steal high-value cars.

"Key players" Michael Butler, 22, of Stalisfield Avenue, Croxteth; Michael Dursham, 25, of Hawkshead Avenue, Broadgreen; and Joseph McDonough, 22, of Nunsmere Close, Winsford, were all jailed for eight years.

Martin Wilson, 22, of Hollow Croft, Stockbridge Village, was locked up for six years and eight months, while Scott Fowell, 23, of Utting Avenue East, Croxteth, received five years and three months.

Kurt Andrews, of Locks Road, Cwmbran, Gwent, was jailed for two years.