Brutal Robbers Jailed After Violent Elderly Home Invasion
Two thugs who violently broke into an elderly couple’s home in Chatham have been locked up for years. Mark Bishop, 41, from Bostall Hill, London, and Darren Donnelly, 44, of Thamesmead, were jailed for robbery and burglary after a terrifying attack.
Violent Home Invasion in Broad Daylight
The shocking crime took place on 2 July 2019 around 3.20pm on Star Mill Lane, Chatham. Bishop and Donnelly forced their way into the home of a man in his 70s and a woman in her 60s. Both victims were punched in the face multiple times, while another woman was threatened during the terrifying ordeal.
Stolen Mercedes Used for More Crime
The crooks stole a mobile phone and the keys to a Mercedes. They then used the stolen car to drive to a property in Nuthatch, Longfield, where they burgled another house, snatching jewellery before fleeing the scene.
Police Chase and Capture
- kent-police/" title="Kent Police" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Kent Police were alerted immediately.
- The stolen car was spotted by officers at Green Street Green but managed to evade capture.
- Later, the vehicle was found abandoned in a Woolwich car park.
- Bishop and Donnelly were arrested on the High Street following a disturbance at a pub around 7pm that evening.
Investigation CCTV showed the pair approaching the Chatham home and the stolen Mercedes in Woolwich. Dash cam footage confirmed Bishop driving the stolen vehicle earlier that day.
Detective Constable Dan Bister said: “These men targeted an elderly couple in a frightening and violent incident before stealing their vehicle and using it to commit a further crime nearby. They brazenly tried to evade police and made no attempt to hide their identities.”
Sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court
On 2 September, Bishop was sentenced to seven years while Donnelly got six years behind bars at Maidstone Crown Court. Bishop denied the charges but was found guilty by a jury on 28 August 2020.
Justice served after a brutal attack on vulnerable pensioners in broad daylight.
