Nottingham pair jailed after elderly couple tied up and threatened during burglary

Simon Hinton, 54, and Dale Wright, 42, appeared for sentencing yesterday having been found guilty of aggravated burglary and taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent.

Hinton, who had been involved in a second aggravated burglary, was sentenced to 18 years, plus another five years on extended licence. Wright, who is currently serving a seven years and two months sentence for being involved in a conspiracy to supply Class A drugs, was given an additional eight years.

Judge James Sampson said: “These were terrifying offences for these victims who may never feel safe in their homes again.

“Both aggravated burglaries involved some degree of planning and targeted elderly and vulnerable victims.

“Violence was used, serious violence was threatened, and significant physical and psychological harm was caused.”

According to Nottinghamshire Police, Hinton and Wright broke in to an address in Spring Hill, Kimberley, in the early hours of October 16^th 2020.

During the break in, a 78-year-old man and a 75-year-old woman were taken out of bed and had their hands tied with zip ties. The man was then threatened with a wooden mallet to open a safe.

After around two hours, the burglars left in the victim’s car with £24,762 worth of sentimental items and jewellery. Only once the man had heard the pair leave did he manage to free his wife and call the police.

Detective Constable Andrew Sibley, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Clearly these were very frightening incidents for all the victims concerned.

“Burglary is an incredibly upsetting crime and can be terrifying for the victims, especially if it is also accompanied by violence.

“I am really pleased with this result, and I’d like to thank the officers who dedicated so much time to ensure Hinton and Wright were brought to justice for their despicable crimes.”