Violent robbers receive lengthy prison sentences - Swanscombe

A family that was violently attacked at a Swanscombe address has seen those responsible receive lengthy prison sentences.

During the evening of 2 November 2023, a husband and wife, along with their children, were at home when Ashley Henry, Morgan Tinpeloo and Marvrick Elba broke in. All three were armed with knives.

Elba used his weapon to hold the wife and children in a front room and took their phones to prevent them calling the police.

Henry and Tinpeloo took the husband up to the first floor while they searched for valuables. Whilst there, Henry threatened to harm one of the children with his knife if money wasn’t handed over. They then threw the victim down the stairs where he lay on the floor surrounded by his attackers.

Life-changing injuries

Henry retrieved a 10kg dumbbell from a bedroom and hit the husband’s head with it three or four times. The offenders then fled the scene, and the victim was taken to hospital for treatment to multiple skull fractures and two bleeds on the brain.

An investigation was commenced by crime squad detectives and the examination of CCTV in the area showed the perpetrators running towards a white Vauxhall Vivaro van. A forensic examination of the dumbbell also recovered Henry’s DNA.

Further complex enquiries showed Henry, Tinpeloo and Elba had travelled together in the vehicle to the scene of the crime.

Arrests

All three men were arrested on 9 November and their mobile phones were seized.

A video on Henry’s phone showed Tinpeloo in a Gravesend public house on 2 November. He was wearing clothing identical to that worn by one of the offenders in CCTV recovered near the scene of the robbery. CCTV from the pub also showed Henry in clothing that matched the same footage.

Henry, of Crescent Wood Road, Sydenham, London; Tinpeloo, of Main Road, Longfield; and Elba, of White Road, Chatham, were charged and pleaded guilty to three counts of robbery. Henry also pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

Sentenced

On Wednesday 13 November, Henry, 29, received an extended sentence of 20 years. This has a custodial period of 17 years and, when he is released, he will have to serve a further three years on licence.

Tinpeloo, 26, was jailed for 14 years and nine months and Elba, 29, was given a prison sentence of 11 years and nine months.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Ben Slocombe, said:

‘These cowardly men put an innocent family through an appalling ordeal. One of the victims suffered very serious injuries that will cause him considerable pain and discomfort for the rest of his life.
‘The violence used by these men could have resulted in a fatality and their lengthy sentence reflects the seriousness of their offending. I would like to thank the victims who have shown considerable courage in supporting our investigation and ensured these criminals have been brought to justice.’