An "incredibly ruthless" robber was sentenced to 30 years in prison for his role in a gang that tied Ashley Cole, former England footballer, before his children. He threatened to cut off his fingers.
An "incredibly ruthless" robber was sentenced to 30 years in prison for his role in a gang that tied Ashley Cole, former England footballer, before his children. He threatened to cut off his fingers.
Kurtis Dilks (35), was also given an extension of his license period for five years by a Nottingham Crown Court judge. He stated that Sharon Canu, the ex-Chelsea and Arsenal defender, and Kurtis Dilks had suffered psychological effects that "cannot be overstated".
Judge said that the attack on the Surrey home of the footballer was "extremely frightening" and described the gang members as "intelligent and violent, and chillingly brutal men".
Cole told police that he thought "now, I am going to be dead" when he recounted how the masked raiders had tied his hands behind him despite him holding his daughter.
After his DNA was found on the cables that were used to restrain Cole, Ms Canu and others, Dilks was the only member of the gang responsible.
He was sentenced along with five other men for their involvement in a series of robberies, burglaries and robberies that took place between October 2018 to January 2020.
Cole stated that the terror and confusion on the faces of his children when the gang invaded his home earlier in an impact statement read before the court.
The former full-back, as read by a prosecutor, stated in his statement: "The image of that night remains and impacts all."
He said, "These images or thoughts will never leave my mind. They can pop up at any time."
He stated that he has made significant investments in security for his home in Fetcham in Surrey. It now feels like a fortress.
He said that he could not go to the bin without a torch or guard dog.
Ms. Canu was present in court to hear her statement read by Michael Brady QC on Friday.
She stated that the raid had a "huge effect" on her life. She recalled how she tried to hide with her son in a wardrobe while her husband was tied up, and how her daughter begged for comfort.
She stated, "That will never leave"
Ms. Canu, despite all the fences, panic alarms, and dogs that have been placed on the property, still feels unsafe.
She stated that her family was considering moving, but she said "the truth is that the emotions and fear would still be there regardless of where the house was."
Along with the attack on Cole Dilks was also found guilty of conspiring in May 2019 to rob the wife and former Tottenham, Hull, and Derby midfielder Tom Huddlestone. He was joined by Andrew MacDonald and Ashley Cumberpatch.
They were also found guilty of taking a PS3.5m diamond tiara that Edward VII wore to his coronation in 2018 from the Harley Gallery at the Welbeck Estate, Worksop, Nottinghamshire.
Cole was not present at court Friday.
Dilks was wearing a black and orange patterned shirt, and a mask as he listened attentively to the impact statements.