Woman Jailed for Brutal Flat Break-In and Robbery
A woman has been locked up for six years after smashing her way into a flat and terrorising the elderly resident, police revealed.
Knocked Back, Then Busted Window to Break In
Kelly Luckhurst, 32, was kicked out of a shared house on Dudley Road, Clacton. Undeterred, she returned on 23 May, knocking on the window of a 64-year-old woman’s flat, begging to be let in — but was refused.
Two days later, Luckhurst came back with a 17-year-old accomplice. Armed with an axe, they smashed a window to force their way inside. When they couldn’t open the front door, they broke another window and climbed through.
Knife-Wielding Youth Intimidates Victim
- The teenager held a knife to the terrified woman.
- Luckhurst rifled through the victim’s handbag, stealing her purse and tablet.
- The pair threatened the victim to keep silent.
- The knife was hidden under the bed.
Police caught them just outside the flat shortly after.
Justice Served
Luckhurst, from St Clair Road, St Osyth, admitted robbery at Chelmsford Crown Court on 23 June. She was sentenced on 15 September to six years behind bars and slapped with a ten-year restraining order.
The teen, with no fixed address, pleaded guilty to robbery and possession of an offensive weapon at Chelmsford Youth Court on 26 May. He received a 12-month referral order and was ordered to pay £250 compensation. The knife was confiscated and destroyed.
“They used an extreme level of violence and this was a truly horrific incident for the victim,” said Detective Sergeant Dan Jeffries. “Thanks to the quick response from local officers, both were arrested shortly after. The evidence was overwhelming. Fortunately, incidents like this are rare, but when they do happen, we will do everything to bring offenders to justice and keep our community safe.”