A few days ago, former England international Ashley Cole recalled in an interview that when the robbers broke into his home in January 2020, the whole family was terrified.
Ashley Cole according to IC photo
Cole played for Arsenal, Chelsea and Roma, making 107 appearances for England. On August 18, 2019, Kerr announced his retirement.
On the evening of January 21, 2020 local time, masked gangsters in camouflage uniforms entered Cole's mansion in London's wealthy district through the back door.
Cole recalls that when the robbers broke into his house and robbed him, he held his little daughter in his arms, while his girlfriend, Sharon Kanu, tried to protect their young son. The robbers stole 5 watches – 3 Rolex, 1 Cartier and 1 TAG Heuer watch – as well as a handbag, cell phone, keys to a BMW and cash.
Cole said; "The robbery that night still affected our family, and the fear on the children's faces never lingered from my mind. These images and ideas will never and never leave my mind, they can jump out at any time. ”
"I walked up to the balcony and saw at least four robbers rushing out of the bushes while my children were still at home and no one could help me. I tried to shout as loudly as I could on the balcony, and as I desperately hugged my daughter, the robber threatened to cut off my hands and fingers, and it felt like they were going to kill me. ”
"Sharon Kanu did her best to call 999 and said with tears: 'Please, please come and rescue us, there are robbers breaking in.'" ”
Ashley Cole based on Visual China
On Friday, local time, the Nottingham Criminal Court tried the theft of Cole's home, and Curtis Dirks, 35, was charged with the theft in Cole's home, and 10 other defendants were tried, all of whom were charged with the theft.
The judge said the gang's attack on Cole's house was "very horrific" and he described the gang as "intelligent, violent and chillingly heartless men".
Cole did not appear in court Friday, but Sharon Kanu, who made a statement in court, said the attack had a "huge impact" on her life and she remembers how she tried to hide in the closet with her son when Cole was tied up and her daughter pleaded for comfort. She said: "I will never forget this scene."
Sharon Kanu said she still feels unsafe despite installing sirens, fences and dogs in her house. She said she had considered moving, but "the truth is that no matter where the house is, fear is there."
In addition to the attack on Cole, Dirks was convicted of conspiring to rob the wife of former Tottenham, Hull City and Derby County midfielder Tom Hudleston.
According to Sky Sports, the main culprit, Curtis Dirkes, will face up to 30 years in prison.
Edited by Ou Peng
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