Lowestoft man Barry Sharp jailed for 13 years for part in violent aggravated burglary in Essex

A Lowestoft man has been jailed for 13 years for his part in subjecting a couple in their 50s to a 'horrifying' aggravated burglary in their home in Essex.

Barry Sharp, 45, of Britten Road, was sentenced at Ipswich Crown Court last Thursday following a trial.

His accomplice, Gary Thompson, 47, of Sidney Road, Ludlow, Shropshire, was jailed for 12 years.

It follows an incident on the morning of November 17, 2018, in Halstead Road, Fordham.

Two men wearing high visibility jackets knocked on the front door at around 9.10am and the woman who lived there opened the door believing they were delivering flowers.

The men forced their way inside and shocked the woman with what was described as a stun device.

The pair threatened her and demanded money from her before hitting her head with an object.

The woman victim then saw a third man come through the front door with her husband before his head was stamped on.

The husband was then also shocked with a stun device before the couple had their hands tied with cable ties and were threatened.

The husband also had ladders put on top of him to further incapacitate him before both suspects left, taking money and jewellery.

After the men left, the husband got free from his ties before going to help his wife and calling his son. The police were then called.

Sharp was caught after a tradesperson, carrying out work in a commercial premises on the site, saw the vehicles the men arrived in - a Citroen Berlingo van - and was able to provide the registration number.

CCTV identified a white BMW alongside the van shortly before the burglary happened.

Police officers were able to identify Sharp as one of the registered keepers of the BMW.

DNA from Thompson was found on the cable ties used to tie the woman victim.

Officers also established Thompson and Sharp had been frequently been in contact in the days leading up to the burglary.

They were arrested in May 2019 and later both charged with conspiracy to commit burglary.

They both denied the charges but, following the trial in Ipswich, were found guilty last Thursday.

Detective Sergeant David Crane, from Essex Police's Serious and Organised Crime Unit, said: “Gary Thompson and Barry Sharp subjected their victims to a horrifying ordeal in their own home, inflicting an unimaginable level of violence.

“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.”