A man involved in a violent home invasion in Dartford earlier this year has been sentenced to nearly four years in prison. The victim, who was threatened by the intruders, expressed relief after one of the perpetrators, Carlton Gregoire, was brought to justice.
The harrowing incident occurred on 2 May 2024, when Gregoire, aged 29, and two accomplices travelled from Romford to Kent in a Hyundai vehicle. The group parked near The Brent area in Dartford and, after covering their faces, two of the men scaled a lamp post to force their way into a residential property through a window.
Once inside, the intruders, armed with a knife and a bottle, confronted the occupant. Fearing for his life, the terrified victim managed to flee the scene, hiding behind nearby cars until he was certain the men had left. The victim, though physically unharmed, has been left deeply shaken by the ordeal.
Kent Police were quickly alerted to the incident. Investigators were able to recover CCTV footage showing the offenders arriving in the Hyundai. Detailed enquiries led them to confirm that the vehicle had travelled from Romford and returned there after the crime. Detectives successfully linked Gregoire to the car and to the scene of the offence.
On 4 June 2024, Gregoire was arrested at an address in Romford. Subsequently, he was charged with aggravated burglary and pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court. Today, he was sentenced to three years and nine months in prison.
Detective Sergeant Richard Taylor of the Kent Crime Squad commented on the case, stating, “This was a terrifying incident for the victim who had no idea why his home had been targeted. It is fortunate he was able to flee and avoid suffering any injury, but he will continue to be affected by his ordeal.
He continued, “This type of crime is always a priority for us, and a prompt investigation ensured we were able to identify one of the perpetrators and then recover sufficient evidence to place him safely behind bars.”
The sentencing marks a significant step in bringing closure to the victim, though the impact of the crime will likely linger. The police continue to pursue the remaining suspects involved in the burglary.
