Burglers had 'gun' with them during terrifying Norwich raid

The man, woman and their children were at home when Nile Mustafa, 30, Ricardo Monteiro, 20, and Piers Ewens,18, tried to force their way into the property in Music House Lane, Norwich. 

Music House Lane (Image: Google) Norwich Crown Court heard Mustafa had taken a gun, which was found to be an imitation firearm, to the scene with him in order to pull off the burglary.

Norwich Crown Court (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest)All three, who were wearing masks, were dropped off and went to the address expecting to take "cannabis and cash".

But the property was not empty and instead a petrified couple were inside the home fearing they would be killed with their children. 

The court heard a "terrified" victim called police to say the intruders were "trying to get in" and "we've got kids here - I've got babies here".

The householder had to hold the door to stop them entering the address. 

He barricaded the door, in fear for his life, as Mustafa, with the imitation firearm clearly visible, tried to enter. He kicked the door three times, as Ewens jammed a crowbar into the door.

Nile Mustafa (Image: Norfolk Constabulary) Mustafa then retreated, resorting to banging the kitchen window with the butt of the firearm. 

Montiero then approached and directed violent donkey kicks to the door himself. 

Ricardo Monteiro (Image: Norfolk Constabulary) Mustafa then banged the butt of the firearm on the kitchen window a further three times before the group retreated.

The men left shortly after police were called following the attempted aggravated burglary on October 17 2023.

Mustafa was arrested in November last year by armed police after he was seen disposing of a firearm which was later recovered and found to contain ammunition. 

This was forensically analysed and found to be a viable and lethal short-barrelled weapon with three separate rounds, one being in the barrel with the hammer cocked back, indicating the weapon was ready to fire. 

Mustafa, of Rosary Road, Norwich, previously admitted attempted aggravated burglary, possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause a fear of violence, possession of a prohibited weapon, and possession of a prohibited weapon as a prohibited person.

He was given an extended 13 year sentence, made up of 10 years custody and three years licence, by Judge Nicholas Ainley who said the incident had "terrified" the victims "as it would've done anyone".

Monteiro, 20, of Heathgate, Norwich, admitted attempted aggravated burglary and was jailed for four years and nine months.

Ewens, of St Margarets Drive, Sprowston, received an  18-month Youth Rehabilitation Order with an additional curfew and unpaid work requirement.