A sleeping family’s worst nightmare became reality when armed thugs burst into their home, demanding luxury watches and jewellery at gunpoint—now, two violent burglars face years behind bars. - Ben Freeman.
A horrific and violent aggravated burglary that saw a family terrorized in their own home has resulted in two men being sentenced to a combined 20 years in prison. The case, which unfolded at Basildon Crown Court, has brought closure to an ordeal described by police as a “horrific ordeal” for the victims, who were subjected to an armed home invasion in the dead of night.
The attack took place in April 2023, when a group of burglars forced their way into a family home in Grays, Essex, while the occupants were sleeping. Armed with a gun and knives, the intruders demanded jewellery and high-value watches, leaving their victims in fear for their lives. One of the occupants suffered injuries severe enough to require hospital treatment.
When officers arrived at the scene in the early hours of April 21, they swiftly arrested one of the attackers and began an intensive investigation, piecing together what had taken place inside that home.
Following an exhaustive forensic and CCTV review, the Crown Prosecution Service authorized charges against five individuals, leading to a trial that culminated in guilty verdicts for two of the suspects.
Among those convicted was Hassan Mansary, 27, of Goldsmith Road, Peckham, who pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary, grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent, possession of a knife or bladed article, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, and possession of ammunition without a certificate. His guilty plea spared the victims the ordeal of reliving the attack in court, but the weight of his crimes ensured he would face a significant custodial sentence.
Alongside him, Solwazi Asante, 19, of Eastbury Road, Watford, denied his role in the burglary but was convicted after trial of aggravated burglary, possession of a knife or bladed article, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, and possession of ammunition without a certificate. While the jury cleared him of the charge of GBH with intent, his involvement in the violent home invasion was proven beyond doubt.
The trial, which took place at Basildon Crown Court, also saw Mohammed Mansary, 27, of Alameda Place, Bow; Anthony Foday, 27, of Nightingale Road, Bowes Park; and Tiarnna Barnes, 24, of Birch Close, Peckham, all cleared of their respective charges.
Delivering his verdict, the presiding judge made it clear that such acts of premeditated violence would not be tolerated, handing down a nine-year sentence to Hassan Mansary and 11 years to Solwazi Asante.
Detective Inspector Frazer Low, who led the investigation, praised the swift and decisive response by officers on the night, stating:
“This was a horrific ordeal for the family who were confronted with violent offenders in their home while they were sleeping. Our response officers responded quickly to the emergency and were able to protect the victims and immediately arrest one of the suspects. No-one should be left fearing for their safety in their own home, and I’m glad we’ve been able to bring this case before the court and these two people will now be punished for their actions.”
The sentences bring a measure of justice for the victims, who endured an unimaginable ordeal at the hands of men willing to use deadly weapons in pursuit of their crimes. The presence of a loaded firearm inside the property added an alarming level of danger to an already terrifying home invasion, highlighting the sheer ruthlessness of those involved.
The conviction and sentencing of Mansary and Asante send a clear message—such callous disregard for human life and safety will be met with the full force of the law.
Well, that’s all for now. But until our next article, please stay tuned, stay informed, but most of all stay safe, and I’ll see you then.
Bénédict Tarot Freeman
Editor-at-Large
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