Home Invasion Horror: Man Jailed After Terrifying Attack on Elderly Woman
Dennis Passingham, 46, homeless, has been locked up for ten years at Basildon Crown Court. He will spend a further five years on extended licence after pleading guilty to robbery and fraud.
Shocking Attack in Langdon Hills
The victim, a woman in her 60s, was at home in Langdon Hills, Basildon, on the evening of Saturday 6 June when Passingham knocked on her door. He forced his way inside, threw her to the floor, then dragged her into the living room.
He knelt on her back and smothered her until she passed out. Terrifyingly, he tied her hands with a dog lead before stealing £20 and her bank card. Passingham threatened her until she gave up her PIN.
Violence Escalates as Victim Tries to Escape
The woman tried to run away but Passingham dragged her back inside. He pinned her down again, re-bound her wrists, gagged her, and threatened to stab her.
After he left, Passingham used the stolen card to withdraw £250 before being arrested.
Investigator Reacts to Brutal Crime
“This ordeal was truly terrifying for the victim who was violently robbed by Passingham in her own home. Not only did he threaten her but he also bound and gagged her and dragged her back into the house when she tried to escape,” said Det Con Natalie Backhouse of Basildon CID.
“It’s hard to imagine how scared she must have been and she will probably never feel the same about her own home again. This sentence reflects the severity of the attack, and Passingham is no longer on our streets.”
