Terrifying Home Invasion Shakes Fordham Couple
A couple in their 50s faced a brutal attack at their Fordham home on Halstead Road, early on the morning of 17 November 2018.
Two men clad in hi-vis jackets knocked at around 9:10am. Thinking they were flower delivery workers, the woman opened the door—only to be blasted with a stun device as the intruders forced their way inside.
The attackers threatened her, demanded cash, and hit her on the head with a heavy object. Then a third man burst in with her husband, who was savagely stamped on while also being shocked with a stun gun. Both victims were tied up with cable ties amid further violent threats.
As if the assault wasn’t cruel enough, the husband had ladders piled on top of him to keep him down. The gang made off with money and jewellery before the terrified pair could react.
Once the house fell quiet, the husband broke free, helped his wife, and called their son before dialing 999. Police quickly swung into action.
How Cunning Clues Snared the Thugs
A tradesperson working nearby spotted a Citroen Berlingo van the burglars arrived in and noted down the registration plate. CCTV footage also caught a white BMW cruising alongside the van just before the raid.
Police linked the BMW to Barry Sharp, 45, from Lowestoft. DNA on the cable ties matched Gary Thompson, 47, of Ludlow, Shropshire.
Detectives uncovered frequent contact between the two men in the days before the crime. Both were arrested the following May and charged with conspiracy to commit burglary.
They denied the charges, but after a trial at Ipswich Crown Court, both were found guilty on 12 May. Thompson was jailed for 12 years, Sharp received 13 years.
Detective Hails ‘Horrifying Ordeal’ Victory
“Gary Thompson and Barry Sharp subjected their victims to a horrifying ordeal in their own home, inflicting an unimaginable level of violence,” said Detective Sergeant David Crane from the Serious and Organised Crime Unit.
“Nobody should be left fearful for their safety in their home.”
“I am pleased that through meticulous detective work we have been able to identify Thompson and Sharp and ensure they now face the foreseeable future behind bars.”
“I want to praise the victims for their bravery throughout this ordeal. I hope this conviction and sentencing will help them move forward.”
