Three men have been sentenced to between five and six years in prison after breaking into a Bristol home, assaulting its occupant and demanding cryptocurrency.
Bristol Crown Court imposed the sentences on 15 October after all three defendants admitted aggravated burglary charges in August.
Terroll Paul, 31, and Pierre Madzou, 30, both from Barking, London, were sentenced to six years and five-and-a-half years respectively. Mohamed Samagassi, 37, who has no fixed address, was given a five-year sentence.
The trio entered the victim’s home in the early hours of 15 May in an unsuccessful attempt to steal digital currency, according to police.
During the incident, the victim was hit over the head and suffered a substantial injury that required hospital treatment. The men were arrested at the scene after the victim’s teenage sister alerted police.
The case comes amid a concerning increase in violent robberies in the UK targeting people believed to possess substantial cryptocurrency wealth.
In another recent incident, attackers targeted an unidentified businessman and his pregnant wife at their home. In September, a British court also heard evidence about a cybercriminal who orchestrated a series of violent home invasions across the country in an attempt to extort millions of dollars in cryptocurrency from high-net-worth holders.
A victim personal statement read to the court said the attack had significantly affected the man’s personality and left him living in constant fear.
“Before, I was bubbly, talkative, and outgoing, but now I would describe myself as tense and apprehensive,” the victim said.
PC Gemma Childs, the investigating officer, commended the courage shown by the victim and his younger sister.
“The victim’s younger sister has also shown extreme bravery, with her actions leading directly to the apprehension of the offenders and preventing her brother from further harm,” Childs said.
“This is something that no one should have to go through in their lives, especially not a child, and her quick thinking in this situation is nothing short of remarkable.”
