Three men jailed after failed attempt to steal cryptocurrency from Bristol home
The victim was assaulted and threatened during attempted cryptocurrency theft
Three men have been sentenced to prison for attempting to steal cryptocurrency during a home invasion in Bristol.
Terroll Paul, 31, Mohamed Samagassi, 37, and Pierre Madzou, 30, were convicted of aggravated burglary at Bristol Crown Court.
The crime took place in the early hours of 15th May when the trio forced their way into the victim’s home, assaulted him, and demanded a large amount of digital currency.
The victim, who sustained a substantial head injury requiring hospital treatment, managed to receive help thanks to his teenage sister alerting police.
All three men were arrested at the scene and later pleaded guilty to the offence at a hearing in August.
At the sentencing hearing on 15th October, the court heard a victim personal statement in which he described the continued impact of the incident on his life, saying he now feels "frightened, paranoid and completely petrified."
Terroll Paul, from Barking in London, received a six-year prison sentence.
Mohamed Samagassi, who has no fixed address, was sentenced to five years in prison.
Pierre Madzou, also from Barking in London, was jailed for five-and-a-half years.
PC Gemma Childs, the investigating officer, said: “This incident has had a devastating and long-lasting effect on the victim, who states that his life now looks completely different to what it did prior.
“The victim has fully co-operated with police throughout the investigation, and has demonstrated outstanding resilience and bravery.
“The victim’s younger sister has also shown extreme bravery, with her actions leading directly to the apprehension of the offenders and preventing her brother from further harm. This is something that no one should have to go through in their lives, especially not a child, and her quick thinking in this situation is nothing short of remarkable.”