Ladder Break-In Ends in Brutal Knife Attack
Thomas Lee John Harmer, 24, with no fixed address, faced Bournemouth Crown Court for a shocking spree of crimes. On Friday 8 January 2021, he was sentenced to nine years in prison plus an extended five-year licence for multiple offences. These included wounding with intent, burglary, possessing a bladed article, making off without payment, and breaching a restraining order.
Harmer’s partner-in-crime, Bethany Louise Timson, 21, from Weymouth, was earlier handed an 18-month community order after pleading guilty to affray.
Harmer Breaks Restraining Order with Ladder Break-In
In the early hours of Sunday 8 December 2019, Harmer defied a restraining order and climbed a ladder to enter his father’s Weymouth home through an upstairs window. Confronted by his dad, Harmer left – but not before stealing £15, car keys, and house keys.
He then took his father’s car to a Bridport petrol station and topped up £25 of fuel, only to drive off without paying. Timson was his passenger as they sped off to Chickerell.
Knife Attack in Neighbour’s Home
At around 12.30pm, locals spotted Harmer and Timson struggling to start the stolen car. A resident stepped out to help but later faced a terrifying home invasion.
At 5pm, Harmer burst into the home, demanding car keys from the woman inside. When her husband intervened, Harmer punched him to the floor and continued his assault.
The victim soon spotted Harmer wielding a small red kitchen knife. He was stabbed in the upper left torso. The victim’s wife alerted neighbours by banging on a door, revealing a tense standoff with Harmer brandishing the knife.
Heroic Neighbour Saves the Day
Neighbour David Foster, now commended by the court, bravely stepped in to restrain Harmer. Although Harmer head-butted and punched Foster, he forced the attacker to drop the knife. As chaos unfolded, Timson grabbed the knife and physically attacked Foster, urging him to release Harmer.
After the scuffle, Harmer and Timson fled the scene but were quickly tracked down. Police arrested Timson nearby and Harmer later that evening in Chickerell.
Detective Constable Mark Walsh, Weymouth CID, said: “Thomas Harmer launched a violent attack on a man in his own home and stabbed him with a knife. It is extremely fortunate that the victim did not suffer more serious injuries as a result.”
“Harmer also committed a number of other offences on Sunday 8 December 2019 and I am pleased that through a rapid response by officers we were able to quickly identify and locate the defendant so he could face justice for his actions.”
