A MAN has been jailed for 12 years after being found guilty of aggravated burglary, firearm possession and fraud.

Ioan Sabou, 35, appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court on Friday, March 22 for sentencing after being convicted for aggravated burglary on March 7.

Sabou, of Combs Lane, Great Finiborough, committed the aggravated burglary in Colchester in May 2018.

The Jury heard how Sabou had entered the home of a woman in her 30s along with three other men, after arranging to meet her at her home on St. Peter's Street around 10pm.

The men were reported to be armed with stun guns and batons and used these to restrain the victim, using the stun gun on her friend, who was also in the property at the time.

The men searched the address and stole a number of items including a computer tablet, mobile phones, cash and bank cards, before leaving.

A few days later, one of the stolen bankcards was used on two separate occasions at a nearby garage. Further investigation established that CCTV footage showed Sabou near to the garage on both occasions.

Sabou was arrested, telling police he had found the bank card outside the address on St. Peter's Street and admitted to using the card, however denied any other offence.

However, Sabou was identified as one of the men responsible for the burglary and was charged and subsequently convicted of aggravated burglary, fraud by false representation and possession of a firearm.

He was also convicted of nine theft offences which took place in Norwich and was given a nine months custodial sentence for each offence, which will run concurrently to the 12 year prison sentence he was given for the aggravated burglary.

Investigating officer, DC Tim Harris, said: “We would like this case to be an example of how we can, and do, support vulnerable members of the community.

"These victims were targeted by a gang who had planned to cause fear, ensure compliance and discourage the victims from reporting what had happened to them, to the police.

"I would like to commend the victims for their bravery and for picking up the phone to ask for our help.

"Officers were able to support both victims and work with them to secure the justice they rightly deserved.

"We urge anyone who has been the victim of crime to report it to us, no matter what the circumstances.

"We work alongside neighbouring police forces, public agencies and charitable organisations every day to ensure we can offer victims the best support."

Reports can also be made anonymously through charities like Crimestoppers, which will help us build a comprehensive picture around this type of crime so that we can take action.