TWO men have been jailed after a millionaire businessman was shot in his mansion.

Charlie Simms and Christopher Bergin were convicted of a series of offences after raiding a home in Sible Hedingham they mistakenly believed belonged to a drugs baron.

On February 6 last year Timothy Mardon, a 51-year-old insurance director, was shot through the bedroom door, suffering a serious leg injury and an arterial bleed.

Simms and Bergin made off after stealing his watch and some foreign currency, leaving the victim bleeding to death.

Mr Mardon’s life was saved due to the quick thinking of the attending officers who used a tourniquet on his injury.
 

Simms, 23, of North Road in Great Yeldham, was given 24 years in prison for attempted murder.

He will serve 20 years in prison and another four on extended licence.

He was also sentenced to 13 years for aggravated burglary, to run concurrently, and nine years for possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, to run concurrently.

Bergin, 27, of Hawkwood Road in Halstead, was sentenced to 16 years of wounding with intent.

He will spend 14 in prison and another two on extended licence.

He was also sentenced to 10 years for aggravated burglary to run concurrently and seven years for possession of a firearm to run concurrently.

The pair appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court this morning.

DCI Leighton Hammett said: "Charlie Simms and Christopher Bergin are violent, dangerous men who deserve to be behind bars.

"The severity of this attack, which was conjured up on a whim following a heavy night of drinking and smoking drugs, is reflected in the length of their sentences.

"Essex will be a safer place now Simms and Bergin are behind bars, and they will now spend the foreseeable future reflecting on their crime and the impact their actions have had.

"I hope this sends a message that Essex Police will not tolerate this sort of crime and we will bring those responsible.

"I would once again like to thank Mr Mardon and his family for their courage through the investigation and trial, and my officers whose quick thinking saved his life.”