A Margate man has been sentenced to an eight year jail term for carrying out an aggravated burglary at St Augustine’s in Ramsgate during which three people were tied up with electrical cables.
George Mason, of High Street, Margate, was arrested at the scene of the break-in at the religious centre in St Augustine’s Road in the early hours of Friday 7 July this year.
Following an investigation by Kent Crime Squad, he was charged with and admitted aggravated burglary and was sentenced at Canterbury Crown Court yesterday (October 18).
Mason, 29, and two other men forced a window to get into the centre before threatening those inside with a wrench and knives they claimed to have with them.
Three occupants at the building were tied up using electrical cables while cash was located and stolen by the group.
A victim activated an alarm, which caused the burglars to flee, although Mason was detained at the scene and arrested by attending officers.
Some of the stolen money was recovered from Mason, but the other two men are believed to have made off with up to £1,000.
An internal door was damaged during the offence and one of the victims suffered an injury to his hand.
Detective Constable James Coomber, of Kent Crime Squad, said: “This was an appalling offence during which victims were deliberately put in fear of violence.
“I am pleased we have quickly brought this offender before the courts and he has now been jailed. We are still very keen to identify the other two men involved and I urge anyone with information to contact police.”
Anyone with information should call Kent Police on 01843 222289, or report it online, quoting reference 46/120311/23.
You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or complete their online form.
