Knife-wielding burglar jailed for 15 years after traumatising elderly couple
Patrick Cassidy’s violent spree ends behind bars
Patrick Cassidy, 24, from Borehamwood, has been locked up for 15 years, with an extra three years on licence. The Reading Crown Court sentenced him on Friday (21/8) after convicting him of aggravated burglary, domestic burglary, and escape from lawful custody.
Knife threat shatters peace for elderly victims
On the night of 17 November 2019, Cassidy broke into a home on Bradley Road, Slough. Inside were a man in his 80s and a woman in her 70s, both asleep when the thug threatened them with a knife, demanding money and gold. Thankfully, no one was hurt, but the ordeal left the couple traumatised.
Cassidy ransacked the house but left empty-handed. Police caught him nearby shortly after.
Criminal caught after previous prison escape and handbag theft
- Hours earlier on the same day, Cassidy had smashed into a property in Watford and stolen a handbag.
- He was already on the run after escaping from an open prison, HMP Hollesley, on 13 August 2019.
- He was missed at morning roll call and evaded capture until police nabbed him on 17 November.
Police vow justice for terrified victims
“Cassidy’s cowardly, atrocious criminal behaviour has left two elderly people terrified in their own home,” said Detective Constable Ben Walker-Hall. “This sentence will make him think long and hard about his actions. Thames Valley Police takes home invasions seriously and will relentlessly pursue justice for victims.”
