Elderly Woman Threatened with Syringe in Shocking Ramsgate Robbery
A cruel thug held a syringe to a 90-something disabled woman’s neck during a terrifying home invasion in Ramsgate. The crook warned he’d harm her beloved cats too, before making off with her bank card and £160 cash in January 2019.
Perp Caught on CCTV Using Stolen Bank Card
Now, 45-year-old Mark Ellis, homeless and dangerous, has been locked up for seven years after pleading guilty to robbery. Police nabbed him after CCTV caught him spending the victim’s cash. The footage matched an e-fit made by the traumatised woman.
Ellis was also linked to the crime scene by a glove left behind. Maidstone Crown Court heard how Kent Police swung into action when the victim reported the theft after trying to use her stolen card.
Heartless Attack on Vulnerable Pensioner
- The victim opened her door to two men pretending to be friends of her late husband.
- The men barged inside, rifled through her belongings, and pushed her to the floor.
- One thug demanded jewellery, then pulled out a syringe with a clear liquid.
- He threatened to squirt it on her cats and pressed it against her neck, letting the liquid drip on her skin.
Police Uncover £1,330 Spend Spree with Stolen Card
Officers found Ellis had gone on a spree, spending over £1,300 — including buying a mobile phone in Ashford High Street. CCTV caught every transaction, sealing his fate.
A forensic sweep found the glove Ellis dropped, left on top of a freezer in the victim’s home. He was arrested on 30 January and charged shortly after.
Victim Left Traumatised, Forced to Move Away
DC Mark Huttley slammed Ellis’s “despicable” crime, saying it left the victim too scared to live alone. She’s since ditched the house she shared with her late husband and left Thanet altogether.
“Ellis initially claimed he knew nothing and was shocked to be arrested,” said DC Huttley. “But when confronted with CCTV and forensic proof, he owned up. Now he faces years behind bars.”
