Man jailed after aggravated burglary in Banbury

Two people were threatened with a claw hammer

Author: Trevor ThomasPublished 30th Apr 2024

Following a Thames Valley Police investigation, a man has been sentenced for an aggravated burglary in Banbury.

Marc Lelli, aged 42, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated burglary at Oxford Crown Court on Friday April 26th and was sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment.

At around 5.15am on 9th October last year, Lelli forced his way into an address in King’s Road with a claw hammer, while under the influence of class A drugs.

Once inside, Lelli threatened the two occupants, a woman in her sixties and a man in his forties, with the hammer and demanded money from them.

Lelli stole £330 in cash and other items before leaving the property.

He was arrested on 19 October and was charged the following day.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Ashley Ruane, part of Cherwell and West Oxfordshire local policing area’s Priority Crime Team, said:

“I would like to thank all those involved in the successful conviction of Marc Lelli for what was a terrifying ordeal for the victims.

“Burglary is an offence that greatly affects our community and can be extremely distressing for victims so I am pleased that Lelli has successfully been brought to justice and the victims can now have closure.

“This conviction and sentence reflects the severity and seriousness with which these offences are taken, and is a warning that these type of offences will not be tolerated.”

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