A violent burglar who played a key role in a terrifying home invasion in Chatham has been sentenced to more than 10 years in prison.
Gheorghe-Hagi Constantin, 24, of Luton Road, Chatham, was sentenced to 11 years’ imprisonment at Maidstone Crown Court on Thursday, March 27, 2025, after being found guilty of aggravated burglary.
The Violent Burglary Incident
The burglary took place in the early hours of September 8, 2023, when several masked and armed men forced their way into a house near Luton Road. Armed with bladed weapons and wearing gloves, the gang woke the occupants, assaulted one of them, and demanded valuables.
The criminals made off with two watches and two mobile phones after ransacking the property. As they fled, police officers responding to the incident saw some of the men running from the area.
Swift Police Action and Investigation
Determined detectives launched an intensive investigation, which included forensic analysis and extensive inquiries. The investigation revealed that some of the burglars had traveled from London while others were local to the area.
Multiple arrests were made, and the suspects faced a series of charges. Some of the offenders pleaded guilty, while others were convicted at trial.
Previous Sentences
Several gang members were sentenced last year for their roles in the crime:
- Ion Vasile, 22, from Maidstone, was sentenced to eight years and five months.
- Robert Maytum, 36, from Chatham, received seven years and two months.
- Denis Calin, 20, from Chatham, was jailed for seven years.
- Rogel Dumitru, 20, from Bexleyheath, was sentenced to seven and a half years on August 12, 2024.
The Final Conviction
Constantin, identified as playing a significant role and wielding a machete during the burglary, was tracked down after continued efforts by detectives. He was arrested on August 29, 2024, after initially evading capture.
Detective Constable Dan Bister, who led the investigation, stated:
Constantin played a significant part in this appalling crime and is now joining the four other offenders in prison. This was a premeditated crime that terrorised a family in their own home, and those responsible should be ashamed of their actions.
Ongoing Manhunt
Police have confirmed that one member of the gang remains at large. Detective Constable Bister added:
“The final member of the gang should be constantly looking over his shoulder as our pursuit of him will be relentless and his arrest inevitable.”
The successful convictions highlight the persistence and commitment of detectives in bringing justice to the victims of this violent and traumatic crime. The authorities remain vigilant in their pursuit of the final suspect.
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