According to law enforcement officials, a businessman was confronted with a replica firearm during a robbery outside of his residence.
The “frightening” episode took place just “within arm’s reach” of the victim’s home in Scunthorpe on November 28, 2023, as reported by Humberside Police.
Following a lengthy 22-day trial at Grimsby Crown Court, Vincent Bennett, 45, Sukhvinder Singh-Degwa, 45, Mark Baguena, 44, and Safin Mohammed, 46, were all convicted of conspiracy to commit robbery.
Both Bennett and Singh-Degwa faced additional charges and were found guilty of possessing an imitation firearm with the intent to instill fear. All four individuals, who traveled from London to execute the burglary, received their sentences at Hull Crown Court on Thursday.
Bennett, residing on Government Row, Enfield, and Singh-Degwa from Fassett Square, London, were each sentenced to nine years in prison. Baguena, who lives on King Henry’s Mews in Enfield, and Mohammed from Upper Tollington Park, London, received seven-year sentences.
Authorities indicated that Singh-Degwa and Bennett had communicated days before the incident to plan the robbery and later enlisted Mohammed and Baguena for assistance.
The group made their way to Scunthorpe in a van and a VW car, arriving at Dale Street shortly after 4:00 PM GMT.
As the victim approached his front door, he was ambushed from behind by Bennett and Singh-Degwa, with Singh-Degwa delivering the initial blow, according to police reports.
Bennett then brandished what the victim perceived to be a real handgun from his pocket and aimed it at him while threatening to open fire.
Bennett struck the victim on the head with the weapon, leaving injuries on the left side of his face.
Baguena exited the van to serve as a “lookout” for Bennett and Singh-Degwa, police stated.
In the ensuing chaos, the victim stumbled over a wall, but Singh-Degwa and Bennett persisted in their assault.
The attackers made their escape when a neighbor came out to see what was happening.
The victim later reported that his house and car keys were taken during the incident.
