Three men have been handed lengthy prison sentences after violently robbing a family in their Swanscombe home on the evening of November 2, 2023. Ashley Henry, 29, Morgan Tinpeloo, 26, and Marvrick Elba, 29, broke into the residence armed with knives, subjecting the family to a terrifying ordeal.
During the break-in, Elba held the wife and children in the front room, seizing their phones to prevent them from calling for help. Meanwhile, Henry and Tinpeloo forced the husband upstairs, threatening to harm his children if he didn’t hand over money. The violence escalated when they threw the husband down the stairs, where he was beaten with a 10kg dumbbell by Henry, resulting in multiple skull fractures and two brain bleeds.
After the robbers fled the scene, the severely injured man was rushed to the hospital, where he received treatment for life-altering injuries.
Detectives launched an investigation, using CCTV footage to identify the suspects running towards a white Vauxhall Vivaro van—forensic evidence, including DNA found on the dumbbell, linked Henry to the crime. Additional CCTV from a Gravesend pub showed Henry and Tinpeloo wearing clothing that matched footage from the crime scene.
The three men were arrested on November 9 and charged with three counts of robbery. Henry also pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
Sentences
At Woolwich Crown Court on November 13:
- Ashley Henry, of Crescent Wood Road, Sydenham, was sentenced to 20 years, with a custodial period of 17 years and an additional three years on licence.
- Morgan Tinpeloo, of Main Road, Longfield, received 14 years and nine months.
- Marvrick Elba, of White Road, Chatham, was sentenced to 11 years and nine months.
Detective Constable Ben Slocombe praised the victims’ bravery, saying, “These cowardly men put an innocent family through an appalling ordeal. One of the victims suffered very serious injuries that will cause him considerable pain and discomfort for the rest of his life. The violence used by these men could have resulted in a fatality, and their lengthy sentences reflect the seriousness of their offending.”
The family’s support of the investigation helped ensure that the criminals faced justice, bringing some measure of closure to a traumatic experience.
