Three burglars who threatened to kill a Maidstone family jailed

Masked burglars who threatened to kill a family after smashing into a Maidstone home have been jailed.

Paul Crabtree meticulously plotted a burglary committed by Mohamed Mahmoud and Aramis Sullivan, who warned their terrified victims they would be shot as they sought refuge in a bedroom.

Kent Police was called at 2.02am on 2 September 2024 to a report of masked men breaking into a residential property near Cumberland Avenue.

The occupants barricaded themselves in a room upstairs and to the rear of the property as the intruders smashed their way into the house.

After completing an untidy search and locating around £400 cash, the burglars repeatedly banged on the bedroom door and tried to gain access, while threatening to shoot the victims.

Swift response

Officers arrived on scene as Mahmoud and Sullivan left the property and attempted to flee by car.

The offenders were stopped and arrested eight minutes after the initial call to 999, following a short pursuit. A hammer and three phones were seized from the vehicle.

A subsequent examination of phone data revealed a number of messages between the thieves and Crabtree, including videos and annotated screenshots, showing where the men planned to park the car and exit routes.

Crabtree was arrested for his involvement several days later at an address in Eltham, London.

Charged

Crabtree, 43, of no fixed abode, and Sullivan, 21, of Gransden Close, Luton Bedfordshire, were charged with conspiracy to burgle, with the former also being charged with possession with intent to supply cocaine and possession of a bladed article.

Crabtree pleaded guilty only to burglary but was convicted of all offences following a trial at Maidstone Crown Court. He was sentenced on 18 June 2025, to six years and 11 months’ imprisonment.

Sullivan pleaded guilty and was sentenced to four years and six months.

Mohamed, 18, of Woburn Road, Bedford, Bedfordshire, pleaded guilty to burglary and was sentenced to two years and two months at a young offenders’ institute.

Investigating officer, DC Joshua Littley, said:

‘Crabtree, Mohamed and Sullivan left a family fearing for their lives. In the process, they also caused significant damage to the victims’ home; all for a small quantity of cash. ‘We are pleased with the judge’s decision to impose lengthy custodial sentences which accurately reflect the fact the offenders meticulously pre-planned the burglary, and the violent nature of it.’