Three Men Jailed Over Violent Burglary of Elderly Woman
Three men have been locked up following a terrifying burglary at the home of a woman in her 70s in Cavendish — a crime that happened more than four years ago.
Jail Terms Handed Down at Ipswich Crown Court
Anthony Cosgrove, 47, Sammy Okat-Uma, 46, and Ashton Seymour, 50, faced Ipswich Crown Court on Friday, 2 August. Cosgrove received 62 months, Okat-Uma got 59 months, and Seymour was sentenced to 52 months behind bars.
All three initially denied conspiracy to burgle, with their trial starting on 5 March. However, after jury swearing-in but before the trial began, Okat-Uma of Ilford and Seymour from Wanstead switched their pleas to guilty. Cosgrove of Chigwell kept his not guilty plea but was unanimously found guilty on 8 March.
Shocking Details of the Early Morning Attack
The break-in happened just after midnight on 16 April 2020 at Nether Road. The victim was woken by three men in her bedroom. One held a hand tightly over her mouth, demanding money, while the others ransacked the house.
The brave neighbour heard her screams, rushed in, and confronted the intruders. Two men fled straightaway while the third hesitated before escaping. Police found a chaotic scene with stolen cash and jewellery missing. The crooks left behind a holdall bag packed with burglary tools including gaffer tape, latex gloves, and a crowbar.
Thankfully, the victim escaped without physical injury but was deeply shaken.
Police Crack the Case with Forensics and High-Tech Clues
CCTV footage spotted a Ford Mondeo and a Peugeot speeding from the scene. DNA on the holdall matched Seymour, who was later arrested. Okat-Uma was caught after DNA testing of abandoned items, and phone records linked all three men together before and after the raid.
ANPR cameras tracked the Ford Mondeo’s suspicious movements hours before the crime, tying it close to Seymour’s home and later being sold in Romford. Mobile phone analysis showed the suspects coordinated their actions, switching phones off during the burglary to avoid detection.
Detective Sergeant Glenn Toms said:
“Burglary is an intrusive crime, but for three men in their 40s to terrorise a woman in her 70s is shocking. The victim showed incredible resilience, and her neighbour’s bravery was invaluable. This complex case involved forensic evidence, mobile phone data and ANPR technology — all coming together to deliver justice.”
