Grays: Pair jailed for 'horrific' aggravated burglary

Two men have been jailed a combined 20 years for violent offences following a detailed investigation by our specialist detectives.

In April 2023 we were called to an aggravated burglary happening in the middle of the night at a family home in Grays.

Officers arrived at the scene in the early hours of Friday April 21, where they quickly arrested a man and launched an investigation.

During the incident, the victims were threatened by the group. During a subsequent search of the property, officers located a gun.

Their attackers demanded jewellery and watches, which were taken during the burglary.

One of the victims required hospital treatment for their injuries.

Meticulous investigative work, including extensive CCTV footage checks and fast-track forensic work, were carried out over an extensive period.

Following our detailed and complex investigation charges were authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service in relation to four men and one woman.

Hassan Mansary, 27, of Goldsmith Road, Peckham, London, pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary, GBH with intent, possession of a knife or bladed article, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and possession of ammunition for a firearm without a certificate.

Mohammed Mansary, 27, of Alameda Place, Bow, London, pleaded not guilty to aggravated burglary, GBH with intent, possession of a knife or bladed article, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and possession of ammunition for a firearm without a certificate.

Solwazi Asante, 19, of Eastbury Road, Watford, pleaded not guilty to aggravated burglary, GBH with intent, possession of a knife or bladed article, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and possession of ammunition for a firearm without a certificate.

Tiarnna Barnes, 24, of Birch Close, Peckham, London, pleaded not guilty to aggravated burglary. 

Anthony Foday, 27, of Nightingale Road, Bowes Park, North London, pleaded not guilty to aggravated burglary, GBH with intent, possession of a knife or bladed article, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and possession of ammunition for a firearm without a certificate.

The trial in relation to the four defendants who denied the charges was held at Basildon Crown Court last year.

On Tuesday November 5, 2024, Solwazi Asante was found guilty on four of the counts, and not guilty of GBH with intent.

The jury acquitted Mohammed Mansary, Anthony Foday and Tiarnna Barnes.

On Thursday 13 March Hassan Mansary and Solwazi Asante were sentenced.

Hassan Mansaray was sentenced to a total of nine years for all counts whilst Asante was handed a total of 11 years.

Detective Inspector Frazer Low said:

“This was a horrific ordeal for the family who were confronted with violent offenders in their home while they were sleeping.
“Our response officers responded quickly to the emergency and were able to protect the victims and immediately arrest one of the suspects.
“No-one should be left fearing for their safety in their own home and I’m glad we’ve been able to bring this case before the court and these two people will now be punished for their actions.”