A man in Bristol has shared his harrowing experience after three intruders broke into his home in an attempt to steal his cryptocurrency. The incident occurred in the early hours of May 15, when Terroll Paul, 31, Mohamed Samagassi, 37, and Pierre Madzou, 30, forced their way into the victim's residence. They assaulted him, demanding he hand over a large amount of digital currency. The victim suffered a serious head injury and required hospital treatment.
The victim's teenage sister alerted the police, leading to the immediate arrest of the three men. All three admitted to aggravated burglary and were sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on Thursday. Paul received a six-year prison sentence, Samagassi was jailed for five years, and Madzou was sentenced to five-and-a-half years, totaling 16 and a half years in prison.
In a personal statement read during sentencing, the victim described feeling 'constantly so frightened, paranoid, and completely petrified' after the attack. He noted that the incident had drastically changed his personality, turning him from a bubbly and outgoing person into someone who is now tense and apprehensive.
PC Gemma Childs, the investigating officer, praised the victim and his sister for their bravery. She highlighted the victim's cooperation with the police and his sister's quick thinking, which prevented further harm and led to the offenders' apprehension.