Professional Footballer Confronts Burglars After Torchlight Disturbance
Two burglars have been sentenced to more than four and a half years in prison following a sophisticated break-in spree that targeted multiple properties, including the home of a professional footballer. Denis Puka, aged 28, and Erisjan Laska, aged 29, both Albanian nationals, were jailed for 56 months after admitting to seven counts of conspiracy to commit burglary.
Organised Crime Operation Uncovered
The court heard how the pair, along with a third unidentified accomplice, embarked on what Judge Steven Everett described as a "sophisticated and well-planned" operation. Over three successive nights in June last year, they targeted seven properties, primarily in Cheshire, using a Seat Leon vehicle from Sheffield fitted with three false registration plates.
Prosecutor Nardeen Nemat detailed how the defendants equipped themselves with masks, tools, and walkie-talkies, booking an Airbnb room in Warrington as a base for their criminal activities. Their crime spree began on June 5 with two addresses in Blackpool, Lancashire, where they gained access to one property and ransacked every room except the bedroom where the occupants were sleeping.
Footballer's Terrifying Experience
The most high-profile target was the Northwich home of Milton Keynes Dons forward Scott Hogan. The 33-year-old footballer, who has previously played for Aston Villa and Birmingham City, was woken at approximately 11:30pm on June 7 by torchlight shining through his bedroom window.
"Mr Hogan was in his bedroom when he was woken up by a torch light shining through his bedroom window," Ms Nemat told Chester Crown Court. "He looked out and saw three males on the ground. Mr Hogan ran after the males but the males ran away."
The prosecutor revealed that Hogan's then-pregnant wife and young daughter were also in the house at the time. Although nothing was stolen from the property, the footballer has since installed a new security system to protect his family.
Impact on Victims and Sentencing
In a victim personal statement read to the court, Hogan described how the incident had "led to many sleepless nights full of stress and anxiety." He added: "I can't put into words completely what a dramatic effect this has had on me and my family."
Judge Everett, the Honorary Recorder of Chester, told the defendants during sentencing: "What is clear is that this was a sophisticated, well-planned conspiracy. Each of you should understand the sheer devastation you caused by your selfish and despicable acts."
The judge specifically addressed Laska, noting that his pre-sentence report indicated he was "minimising his offences." "You just want to blame everybody else," Judge Everett told him. "I'm quite sure you feel hard done by. It is time you woke up and understood the sheer trauma caused by what you did."
Pattern of Criminal Activity
The burglary spree continued on June 6 with properties targeted in Grappenhall, Knutsford, and Northwich. While the first two raids were unsuccessful after the defendants were disturbed, they managed to steal a Breitling watch and a Rolex watch worth £9,000 in total from a mansion house in Northwich while the owners were on holiday.
On June 7, the men purchased crowbars from B&Q in Warrington before attempting two further burglaries - a mansion house in Warrington, from which they fled after being disturbed, and Hogan's home in Northwich.
Arrest and Personal Circumstances
The defendants were arrested after the Seat Leon was recovered from a housing estate in Warrington more than a week later. Inside the vehicle, police found various items including mobile phones, clothing worn by the defendants, tools, and the false registration plates.
The court heard that Laska, of Eccles Street, Sheffield, has one previous conviction for two minor driving offences. He is a father of two young children who is married to a British woman, with "a Home Office application pending at the moment."
Phil Astbury, defending Puka, told the court his client, of Parliament Street, Crediton, Devon, has been given indefinite leave to remain in the UK. "He has no previous convictions and is said to come from a very decent family," Mr Astbury said. "His mother is shocked by what he has done. He is a young man of positive good character with a good work record who contributes to the community in every way."
Both men pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to seven counts of conspiracy to commit burglary, bringing an end to their three-night crime spree that left multiple victims traumatised and resulted in significant property loss.
