Man jailed for Fenland aggravated burglary

A man has been jailed for ten years for his part in an aggravated burglary at a farm in Fenland last year (2021).

Tevin Christy, 26, was one of five men who tried to get into Witcham Farm Cottage, in Purls Bridge Drove, Manea, on the afternoon of 20 March.

The 71-year-old homeowner and his 49-year-old son were fixing cars in the garden of the country house when a white Ford Transit pulled up.

Some of the group wore high-vis vests and were carrying small parcels to look like delivery men.

Two ran into the house and began searching the property, while others demanded “where is the other car?”, and started searching the sheds and outbuildings.

Three of the group beat the father, knocking him to the ground where he was repeatedly punched and kicked, as well as having an ammonia solution sprayed over him, however he was able to protect his skin using his jacket.

His son was also sprayed in the face before being chased while having bricks thrown at him and the group again shouted “where is the car?”.

He was hit over the head, causing a deep cut, but managed to escape and run down the road, only to realise he’d lost his mobile phone.

The group continued to search the property and outbuildings before making off in the van.

Just over an hour later, the van came to the attention of police in Essex who were carrying out speed checks in the Dunmow West Interchange area.