Violent Robbers Jailed After Brutal Home Ambush in Leyton
Two thugs from Waltham Forest have been locked up for a vicious robbery outside a man’s home in Leyton. Ricardo Fraser, 18, of Anglian Road, and Ayrron Charles, 30, of Lea Hall Gardens, were sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Monday, 29 November. Fraser got eight years, Charles seven.
Masked Duo Threaten Victim with Machete in Home Invasion
The court heard how on the evening of 9 January 2019, the victim came home around 8pm only to be ambushed at his front door by Fraser and Charles. Both robbers wore face coverings. Charles waved a machete and demanded cash, but the victim refused.
Fraser, then just 16, snatched £5,700 from the victim but the brave homeowner fought back, tackling Charles and ripping off his mask. Fraser tried to flee on a bike but the victim kicked him off, breaking the bike and causing the robbers to drop a machete sheath and phone.
As the victim’s wife came outside, the robbers punched the couple to the ground. They then brandished what looked like a firearm to scare them and make their getaway.
DNA and Phone Evidence Crack Case Wide Open
- Police found Charles and Fraser’s DNA on the dropped phone.
- Victim positively identified Charles in a lineup.
- Mobile phone records revealed the pair were in contact before and after the attack.
- Financial checks showed Charles quietly banked stolen money, while Fraser splashed out on a pricey watch.
The criminals tried to claim they were only drug dealers, not robbers, but the jury saw through the dodge and convicted them of robbery and possessing an offensive weapon.
Drugs Bust Adds to Fraser’s Prison Time
Fraser, already admitting charges for Class A drug supply, was caught red-handed after police acted on bail breach at his Loughton flat in August 2020. Officers found two wraps of heroin worth around £760 hidden among his belongings — despite Fraser’s claim it was baking powder.
Text messages on Fraser’s phone confirmed he’d been selling Class A drugs during the summer preceding his arrest.
“This investigation has resulted in two very violent individuals being jailed for a considerable period,” said Detective Constable Aaron Barnes-Weston. “They brazenly attacked the victim at his own home, brandished a machete, assaulted the victim’s wife, and tried to escape with stolen cash.”
“The victim’s courage in fighting back and helping police identify the offenders was crucial. Thankfully, no one suffered serious injuries. The Met will continue to crack down on violent criminals like Charles and Fraser.”
