Three Burglars Jailed After Terrifying Gravesend Knife Raid
Three burglars who terrorised a Gravesend couple at knifepoint have been locked up for a total of 28 years. Baffour Amponsah, Alfie Taylor, and David Powell forced their way into a home on Rochester Road, assaulted two residents, tied them up, and made off with jewellery and cash.
Quick Arrests After Midnight Break-In
The horrifying raid happened around 1am on 11 July 2019. The victims were asleep upstairs when the masked intruders barged in, brandishing knives and demanding money. They punched the residents in the head, tied them up, and ransacked the house.
One victim fought back, overpowering their attacker, locking him out of the bedroom, and calling the police. The suspects fled but were soon tracked down. Officers, with the help of a police dog, found Amponsah and Taylor hiding at a property in Thong Lane the same night. Powell was caught three days later, carrying a black face mask and gloves.
Drugs, Designer Loot, and Furious Obstruction
At the Thong Lane address, police discovered a cannabis farm with around 40 plants. Alongside the stolen jewellery and cash, officers seized designer handbags, shoes, and about £5,000 in cash.
Elizabeth Woods, 27, who was at the property, tried to block officers from entering and even attempted to set her dog on them. She was arrested and later sentenced for obstructing justice among other offences.
Jail Sentences Delivered
- Baffour Amponsah, 32, Lewisham – 9 years for aggravated burglary
- Alfie Taylor, 25, Rotherhithe – 8 years for aggravated burglary
- David Powell, 31, Gravesend – 11 years after jury found him guilty
- Elizabeth Woods, 27 – 15 months for obstruction and related charges
Detective Constable Rebecca Ward said: “This was a violent burglary and an extremely terrifying ordeal for the victims. They were threatened with knives, tied up, and assaulted without any chance to defend themselves.Thanks to the bravery of one victim who called us while the offenders were still in the house, we were able to act fast. Despite Woods’ efforts to obstruct us, we gathered the evidence needed to secure convictions. Powell denied involvement but the investigation proved otherwise. I’m pleased they’re now behind bars.”
