Four jailed after violent Ash burglary leaves victim seriously injured
The men posed as police before launching brutal attack into victim's home
Four men have been jailed after a violent aggravated burglary in Ash.
Police received reports that three men forced entry into an address in Ash on the evening of 2 January 2024.
The group falsely claimed to be police officers and began to attack the victim.
The three males beat the victim, cutting their face with a knife before attempting to stab the victim's stomach several times.
The victim managed to block the attack using their arm, instead sustaining serious injuries to their hand and wrist.
Two other occupants in the house, including a child, hid in the bathroom whilst the attack was taking place.
The group then fled the home with the victim's Rolex watch and Range Rover. The original vehicle used to travel was later spotted and stopped by Sussex Police officers.
33-year-old Karol Tomaszewski, from Littlehampton, was then arrested.
Phone record analysis showed that Tomaszewski had received messages containing information about the intended victim and their address, as well as messages sent after the burglary relating to the Rolex's certification.
On Tuesday, 28 April 2026 at Croydon Crown Court, the group of thieves was sentenced to the following:
- Karol Tomaszewski, 33 (DOB: 06/09/1992) from Littlehampton, was sentenced to 12 years' imprisonment after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary and being found guilty of robbery and causing grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent.
- Patrick McKeown, 42, (DOB: 21/11/1983) from Worthing, was sentenced to 10 years' imprisonment after being found guilty of robbery, causing GBH with intent and conspiracy to commit burglary.
- Troy Johnson, 36, (DOB: 14/09/1989) from Yapton, was sentenced to 36 months' imprisonment after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary.
- Christopher Fuller-Clarke, 49, (DOB: 29/03/1977) from Worthing, was sentenced to 30 months' imprisonment after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary.
Investigating officer DC Caceres-Varga said:
"This was a planned and targeted aggravated burglary. The offenders forced entry into the property causing significant fear and harm to those inside, including a young child.
"This case demonstrates the seriousness with which we treat violent offending in Surrey. We would like to thank the victims for their courage in supporting the investigation, and we hope this outcome offers them reassurance following what was a deeply distressing incident."