Two jailed for aggravated burglaries in Croydon

Leonard Carr, 46, of Greyhound Lane, Streatham, was sentenced to 18 years imprisonment and Peter Lindsay, 42, of Cromwell Road, Caterham, was sentenced to 14 years imprisonment, after being found guilty of two aggravated burglaries.

During their trial at the Old Bailey, the court heard the pair forced their way into the homes of two elderly ladies in what was described by police as "terrifying ordeals."

On January 29, the pair followed an elderly lady from Iceland, Thornton Heath, to her home.

As she got to her door, she was attacked from behind by the pair who forced her on to the floor in her house and bound and gagged her.

They stole cash, jewellery and demanded the pin number for her debit card. The victim gave the wrong number and the suspects left.

However, they later returned again, demanding the correct pin number. Her card was used along Thornton Heath High Street soon after the attack.

Following the incident, the victim was admitted to hospital for eight days after suffering a heart attack.

The second offence on February 2, happened in Croydon. The victim was followed home after getting off a bus from the town centre.

Within minutes of entering her house, she answered her door and was pushed into the hallway, she shouted but was told "shut up or I'll kill you."

Her feet and hands were bound and her face was forced into the floor causing scarping and she also suffered an injury to her chest.

The pair stole credit cards, a large quantity of jewellery, mobile phones and a laptop computer which was later found in the home of Lindsay.

Detective Sergeant Louise Knipe of Croydon CID, said: "This is a great result and I am delighted we have been able to put two cold and calculating individuals behind bars where they belong.

"Both men denied the offences and they have shown no remorse for their violent crimes.

"I am pleased the jury seen through their lies and hope that the conviction brings some small comfort to their victims."