A couple, who have been married for 45 years have decided to sell their home and move following the violent raid on their home in Leicester in October 2017. The husband described the terrifying impact of the attack on his wife.
Farhan Loonat, a takeaway boss has been sentenced to four years in prison for his role in the burglary. Leicester Crown Court heard that Loonat was involved in the incident, however, he did not physically attack the victim. An unnamed second person was blamed for the physical harm, but he has never been traced.
The 64-year-old husband of the victim, who would like his family to remain anonymous, said, “These men came in through a bedroom window after midnight. I wasn't at home. One of the men had a knife and started attacking my wife. He was telling her to tell him where the jewellery was. My granddaughter, who is three was there at the time and saw what they did to her grandmother. My wife was treated In hospital for facial injuries but the psychological effects will last much longer. I have to be with her 24/7 because she does not want to be left alone. She is so scared.”
Around £20,000 worth of jewellery was stolen during the violent raid which has not been recovered.
Detective Constable Damian Young led the investigation. He said, “This was a distressing incident for the victim in her home, the violent nature of the offence was callous. We are pleased that Loonat has pleaded guilty to his part in the incident, albeit he wasn't responsible for the violence, he was responsible for entering the house and stealing more than £20,000 worth of items. Burglaries, especially when there is violence involved, leave the community in fear. We take these reports extremely seriously and will leave no stone unturned to find those responsible.”
Police are investigating burglaries on a number of Asian households where the thief's main target is gold jewellery. Police has urged people to double lock doors and windows, while also advises owners of expensive gold or jewellery to consider storing such items in a safety deposit box, rather than in their homes.
