Two men have been sentenced to prison following a coordinated burglary campaign that targeted multiple properties, including the home of a professional footballer, leaving victims traumatised by the invasive incidents.
Sophisticated Operation Uncovered
Denis Puka, aged 28, and Erisjan Laska, aged 29, have each received jail terms of 56 months after admitting their involvement in a spree of seven burglaries across Cheshire. The pair, along with a third unidentified accomplice, executed what the presiding judge described as a "sophisticated and well-planned" conspiracy over three consecutive nights in June.
Footballer's Terrifying Ordeal
The most high-profile target was League Two striker Scott Hogan, whose residence in Northwich was invaded. The 33-year-old footballer, formerly of Aston Villa and Birmingham City, was abruptly awakened in the middle of the night by a torch beam shining directly into his face through a bedroom window.
Prosecutor Nardeen Nemat detailed how the intruders scaled a fence and used trellising to access the window, with Hogan's pregnant wife and young daughter also present in the house at the time. Although Hogan pursued the fleeing burglars, the three-man gang managed to escape without taking any items.
In a victim impact statement read to Chester Crown Court, Hogan expressed the profound psychological toll of the incident, stating it had "led to many sleepless nights full of stress and anxiety" and that he couldn't fully articulate the dramatic effect on his family. He has since installed enhanced security measures to protect his household.
Coordinated Crime Spree Details
The burglary campaign was marked by considerable preparation and coordination. The perpetrators:
- Booked an Airbnb in Warrington to use as an operational base
- Utilised a Seat Leon vehicle with counterfeit registration plates
- Equipped themselves with masks, tools, and walkie-talkies for communication
- Purchased crowbars from a B&Q store in Warrington ahead of planned break-ins
Their targets included properties in Blackpool, Grappenhall, Knutsford, and Northwich. During one successful burglary at a mansion house in Northwich, while the residents were on holiday, they stole a Breitling watch and a Rolex watch with a combined value of £9,000.
Sentencing and Judicial Remarks
Judge Steven Everett delivered strong condemnation during sentencing, emphasising the "sheer devastation" caused by what he termed "selfish and despicable acts." He specifically addressed the trauma inflicted upon Hogan, describing the experience of being woken by a torch in his face as "frightening and terrible."
The judge noted that Laska's pre-sentence report indicated he was minimising his offences, telling him: "You just want to blame everybody else. 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."
Defence Submissions and Aftermath
Defence counsel provided context about the defendants' backgrounds. Phil Astbury, representing Puka, highlighted that his client had indefinite leave to remain in the UK, no prior convictions, and came from what was described as a "very decent family." He characterised Puka as a young man of positive character with a good work record who contributed to his community.
Laska, a father of two married to a British woman, reportedly has a Home Office application pending. He had one previous conviction for minor driving offences.
Following the sentencing, Cheshire Police Constable Simon Gibson commented on the investigation's success, noting: "Puka and Laska thought they could travel hundreds of miles to Cheshire to trick our officers and get away with this series of burglaries – but they seriously underestimated us." He attributed their guilty pleas to the substantial evidence compiled by dedicated police teams.
The burglars were ultimately apprehended after their vehicle was recovered from a Warrington housing estate more than a week after the crimes, containing mobile phones, clothing worn during the offences, tools, and the false registration plates.
