Hawkinge burglars jailed for nearly 19 years combined for aggravated burglary
Trio sentenced following crime involving machetes and threats
Three men have received combined prison sentences totalling nearly 19 years for an aggravated burglary in Hawkinge, Folkestone.
Callum Elliot, 23, and Darren Butler, 36, admitted to breaking into the property wearing balaclavas and boiler suits while brandishing machetes.
William Webb, 34, was found guilty of plotting the crime following a unanimous jury verdict.
The offences took place near Corbett Road on 3rd November 2024, with Kent Police called to the scene at 10:18 pm.
Residents at home at the time of the burglary were confronted by the masked offenders who had forcibly entered the building.
The attackers threatened the victims with weapons, demanding that items such as watches and clocks be handed over before fleeing the scene.
Officers were informed that the burglars had left in a white Audi.
Subsequent investigations included reviews of CCTV footage and obtaining witness statements from the neighbourhood.
Butler and Elliot were promptly arrested on 4th and 5th November, respectively, and charged two days later.
Through the examination of mobile phone data during the investigation, Webb’s connection to the crime was discovered, and he was arrested on 3rd January 2025 before later being charged.
Webb, formerly of Stone Street, Canterbury, was convicted of conspiracy to commit burglary following a trial.
Sentencing at Canterbury Crown Court occurred on 24th April 2026, with Butler jailed for eight years and seven months, Elliot sentenced to seven years and two months, and Webb receiving three years and two months.
Detective Constable Holly Bayliss led the investigation.
“The victims in this case were subjected to a truly terrifying and traumatic ordeal, and lives have been changed forever as a result of the despicable actions of these cowardly offenders. I am very pleased that significant custodial sentences have been handed down to them, and I hope it will be of some comfort to the victims to know that those who targeted them in such a brutal manner will spend a long time behind bars,” Bayliss said.
“Everyone has the right to feel safe and secure in their homes, and those who would commit such dreadful crimes as this should expect to be tracked down and made to face justice,” she added.