Two robbers who held the terrified residents of a Carlisle house at gun and knifepoint while trying to steal their cash through encrypted online transfers have been jailed.
Jordan Barrett, 23, and Ted Richards, 24, today received lengthy prison terms for a crime – believed to be a first for this country – and involved them using a cryptocurrency exchange website to hide their tracks and cheat justice.
Barrett and Richards brandished weapons and had their faces covered as they burst into the Moorhouse Road address late on February 10 2020. One wore a helmet and carried a knife, while the other was masked and had a gun. The intruders were linked to another man living at that house who had been the driver in a road crash in which Barrett’s girlfriend was hurt.
“The defendants took the victims’ phones, forced them to unlock them and then log into their online bank accounts in order to move money between the accounts,”prosecutor Hannah Forsyth told Carlisle Crown Court.
After large quantities of cash were transferred, Barrett and Richards tried to snatch £3,500 through an online cryptocurrency exchange. They forced their victims to hold up ID while photos were taken and audacious attempts were made to open bogus accounts in their names.
“While the male with the knife took the pictures and forced the victims to move money between accounts, the man with the gun stood over the others and pointed the gun — which had a torch and laser on it — at them,” said Ms Forsyth.
After a friend arrived at the property, one victim was urged to make him leave and warned: “Don’t do anything stupid and you won’t get hurt”.
Barrett and Richards stole a games console and iPhone from the address, warning of consequences if police were alerted. The gun — an imitation firearm — was discharged outside by Barrett as a warning. They also threatened the occupants of consequences if police were contacted.
Police were alerted before the fake cryptocurrency accounts could be authenticated. Detectives and financial investigators carried out a painstaking probe using modern tactics which allowed them to track down the crooks. The gun — with attachments — was seized seven months after the robbery from Barrett’s address. DNA found on the magazine and trigger belonged to Richards.
Barrett, of Red Bank Square, Carlisle, and Richards, of Empire Square, London, each admitted two charges of robbery and two of false imprisonment.
One victim told of being scared for his own safety and that of his family; he suffered from depression, anxiety and described life becoming pointless. “He feels he is no longer the same person he was,” said Ms Forsyth. The other man suffered nightmares and anxiety, and felt vulnerable in his own home.
Addressing the court directly, Barrett spoke of shame and regret at his biggest mistake, having earlier stated he had wanted to frighten one man. “It is a burden I will forever carry with me,” he said, adding his intention to stay away from Carlisle.
Judge Nicholas Barker jailed Barrett for six years nine months and Richards for six years.
The victims, said the judge, were subjected to a terrifying ordeal and left profoundly affected. He added: “Both clearly believed the gun and knife were real and that they were in grave danger.”
