Three Jailed After Masked Burglars Threaten to Kill Maidstone Family During Home Invasion
Three masked burglars who violently broke into a family home in Maidstone, threatening to shoot the terrified occupants, have been jailed following a successful Kent Police investigation.
Sentencing at Maidstone Crown Court
The men – Paul Crabtree, Mohamed Mahmoud, and Aramis Sullivan – were sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court this month after being found guilty of a pre-planned burglary carried out on 2 September 2024 near Cumberland Avenue.
- Paul Crabtree, 43, of Wyatt Street, Maidstone, was described as the orchestrator of the burglary. He was jailed for six years and 11 months after being convicted of conspiracy to burgle, possession with intent to supply cocaine, and possession of a bladed article.
- Aramis Sullivan, 21, of Gransden Close, Luton, Bedfordshire, pleaded guilty and received four years and six months.
- Mohamed Mahmoud, 18, of Woburn Road, Bedford, pleaded guilty to burglary and was sentenced to two years and two months at a young offenders’ institute.
The Violent Break-In
Kent Police received a 999 call at 2:02 AM reporting masked intruders breaking into a property. The family, fearing for their lives, barricaded themselves in an upstairs room as the burglars smashed their way through the home.
While ransacking the house and stealing around £400 in cash, the intruders banged on the bedroom door and issued threats to shoot the family inside.
Police arrived just eight minutes later and stopped the suspects as they attempted to flee by car. A hammer and three mobile phones were recovered from the vehicle. Phone data later linked the trio, revealing meticulously planned messages, screenshots, and parking instructions exchanged between the burglars and Crabtree.
Crabtree was arrested at his home days later.
Police Statement
Detective Constable Joshua Littley said:
“Crabtree, Mahmoud and Sullivan left a family fearing for their lives. In the process, they also caused significant damage to the victims’ home — all for a small quantity of cash.
“We are pleased with the judge’s decision to impose lengthy custodial sentences which accurately reflect the violent and calculated nature of the burglary.”
Summary
- Location: Near Cumberland Avenue, Maidstone
- Date of Incident: 2 September 2024
- Sentencing Date: 18 June 2025
- Offences: Burglary, conspiracy, weapon and drug offences
- Victim Impact: Family threatened with death, home damaged
Kent Police urge the public to report suspicious activity immediately by dialling 999 in emergencies or contacting 101 for non-urgent reports
