Terrifying Hammer Attack on Pensioners During Home Invasion
Benjamin Smith, 30, launched a brutal early-morning break-in at a couple’s home in Hereward Close, Impington on 14 September. The thug smashed in through a ground floor window and immediately terrorised a woman in her 70s who had woken up to the noise.
Victims Held at Hammerpoint in Their Own Bathroom
The pensioner screamed when Smith charged at her brandishing a hammer. Her husband rushed to help, but the pair were forced into their bathroom where Smith demanded their wedding rings. When they hesitated, he tried yanking the rings off himself.
As Smith ransacked the house, he dropped the hammer. The husband grabbed it but Smith quickly wrestled it away and struck him in the eye, leaving a nasty cut and swelling. Smith then tied the couple up with a cloth and ransacked the home again, demanding bank cards and jewellery.
Suspect Caught with Stolen Loot and CCTV Evidence
After stuffing the stolen goods into a black holdall, Smith fled, leaving behind his hammer and a screwdriver. Police quickly zeroed in on him through forensic evidence on the tools and arrested him two days later.
Detectives raided Smith’s Fen Road home and uncovered the black holdall packed with suspected stolen items. They also found a jumper matching the victims’ description and a mobile phone photo of Smith in the same outfit taken just an hour before the attack.
Smith Jailed for Brutal Aggravated Burglary
At Cambridge Crown Court on 27 November, Smith pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary, false imprisonment, and causing grievous bodily harm with intent. He was sentenced to a lengthy prison term.
“This break-in is the stuff of nightmares,” said DC Neil Gibbs.
“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.”
