Hammer-Wielding Burglar Terrorises Elderly Couple in Their Own Home
Benjamin Smith, 30, broke into a couple’s home in Hereward Close, Impington, in the dead of night on 14 September. He climbed through a ground-floor window and woke a woman in her 70s.
Horrific Attack in Living Room
The terrified woman screamed when she saw Smith armed with a hammer charging at her. Her husband rushed to help and the intruder forced the couple into their bathroom, demanding their wedding rings. Smith even tried pulling the rings off himself before the couple handed them over.
During the ordeal, Smith put down his hammer. The husband grabbed it but a struggle ensued. Smith disarmed him and struck him in the eye, leaving a nasty cut and swelling.
Victims Tied Up and Robbed
Smith tied up the elderly couple with a piece of cloth. He then demanded bank cards and jewellery. After stuffing his haul into a black holdall, the thug fled, leaving behind the hammer and a screwdriver.
Swift Police Action Lands Burglar Behind Bars
Forensic evidence on the tools pointed straight to Smith. Police arrested him two days later and found the stolen goods in the home he was staying at. They also discovered a jumper matching one described by the victims and a photo of Smith taken just an hour before the break-in wearing the same outfit.
At Cambridge Crown Court on 27 November, Smith, of Fen Road, Cambridge, pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary, false imprisonment, and grievous bodily harm with intent. He was sentenced accordingly.
DC Neil Gibbs said: “This break-in is the stuff of nightmares. Smith subjected the victims to an incredible amount of fear and violence in their own home, a place where people should feel safest. He was ready to do whatever it took to get away with what he wanted. Smith is a danger to society and I hope the fact he will be behind bars for quite some time provides some comfort to the victims.”
