Thugs’ High-Stakes Home Invasion Ends in Jail
A man who burst into a woman’s home and demanded cash has been locked up for six years after a sharp police investigation.
Watch Scheme Leads to Violent Break-In
Eugene Solari, 53, tracked down a watch seller’s old address in Wickford through online sleuthing. The house had new occupants. In August 2020, Solari barged in, threatening the occupant with what he claimed was acid in a small bottle. He demanded money or the expensive watch.
The victim escaped in fear, while Solari fled through the front door—only to be confronted by the victim’s husband arriving home.
Chase, Scuffle, and DNA Slip-Up
A fight broke out; in the chaos, Solari dropped his glasses. He then sped off in a car driven by accomplice Richard Forward, 57, from Rochford.
Police were alerted at 1.19pm and were chasing the getaway vehicle just five minutes later. The drivers recklessly sped the wrong way down the A127. Forward was caught at the wheel and arrested, but Solari escaped on foot.
Detectives later matched Solari’s DNA from his abandoned glasses and seized sharp CCTV footage from the scene. The victim positively ID’d him, forcing Solari to admit attempted robbery.
Justice Served at Basildon Crown Court
Last month, Solari of Southend was sentenced to six years behind bars. Forward got eight months suspended for dangerous driving, plus a 12-month driving ban and an 18-month curfew.
“Nobody should be made to feel unsafe or afraid in their own home,” said Detective Constable Jack Bettis. “Solari terrified the victim with his threats, leaving an understandably lasting impact. Thanks to quick forensic work, he’s now serving a long sentence. Specially trained officers also stopped Forward’s dangerous driving before anyone was hurt.”
The victim shared her ordeal, saying: “I feel this incident has changed me. I’m now more cautious around strangers and aware of my surroundings. I feel uncomfortable around people I don’t know.”
