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Gillingham burglary trio John Bley, Hussanain Raja and Azroy Dawes-Clarke jailed at Southwark Crown Court

16:55, 03 June 2021

updated: 17:51, 03 June 2021

Burglars who threatened to stab occupants inside their home during a violent and frenzied burglary have been jailed.

The trio forced their way into the Gillingham property and threatened a woman and a man, who were then assaulted, demanding cash and drugs.

Hussanain Raja has been jailed following a burglary in Gillingham. Picture: Kent Police
Hussanain Raja has been jailed following a burglary in Gillingham. Picture: Kent Police

The attack at the house in Cleave Road, was described by police as "frightening and brazen".

The men made away with money and a designer watch following the ordeal which took place at about 5.20pm on April 14, 2020.

Hussanain Raja, John Bley and Azroy Dawes-Clarke will serve a combined sentence of 27 years behind bars.

Bley, 24, of White Road, Chatham was jailed for 11-and-a-half years and Dawes-Clarke, 28, of Romford Road, London will serve seven years in prison following a trial at Southwark Crown Court.

Raja, 26, of Railway Street, Chatham was sentenced at the same court with his accomplices yesterday for eight-and-a-half years after earlier admitting charges against him.

John Bley has been jailed following a burglary in Gillingham. Picture: Kent Police
John Bley has been jailed following a burglary in Gillingham. Picture: Kent Police

The three were all charged with aggravated burglary and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.

Police started an investigation and identified the three suspects had driven to the area at the time of the offence before leaving shortly after.

They were all arrested between April 17 and 22 and charged.

Azroy Dawes Clarke has been jailed following a burglary in Gillingham. Picture: Kent Police
Azroy Dawes Clarke has been jailed following a burglary in Gillingham. Picture: Kent Police

Investigating officer, Det Con Kati Edge, said: "This was a frightening incident for the two victims. The group targeted them in a brazen and frenzied way and their sentences are a reflection of the fear they inflicted on the victims during the incident.

"We work tirelessly to put violent offenders behind bars and I am pleased that these men are now starting a lengthy prison sentence."

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To read more of our in depth coverage of all of the major trials coming out of crown and magistrates' courts across the county, click here.

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