ARMED men who burst into the mansion of a millionaire businessman and shot him through his bedroom door during a bungled raid have been warned to expect “lengthy prison sentences”.

Charlie Simms and Christopher Bergin were convicted of a series of offences after raiding a home they mistakenly believed belonged to a drugs baron.

Following a two month trial the jury, at Chelmsford Crown Court yesterday, found Simms guilty of attempted murder, aggravated burglary and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

Bergin was convicted of wounding with intent, aggravated burglary and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

A third man was cleared of all charges.

Halstead Gazette:

Charlie Simms

On February 6 Timothy Mardon, a 51-year-old insurance director, had returned to his Old Rectory home in Sible Hedingham, for the night.

He was planning to join his wife and two children for a holiday, who fortunately were not at home, when he was disturbed by footsteps outside at about 4.30am.

Simms and Bergin then smashed their way into the house and Mr Mardon called the police.

While the pair ransacked each room in turn Mr Mardon was asking for help but the nearest officers were a 35 minute drive away.

He locked himself into his bedroom but eventually they tried his door.

The court heard Mr Mardon screamed at the men to get out of his house while he stood by the door before a shotgun blast ripped through the door and caught him in the femoral artery.

Prosecutor Richard Christie QC told the court it was Simms, who has now been convicted of attempted murder, who fired the shot.

His attackers then stood over him screaming for money before one of them counted down from ten with the gun held over him.

Mr Mardon gave what he had, which included a £3,000 watch and about £300 in foreign currency from his trips.

He even offered them his £70,000 classic car collection before they left him bleeding to death.

Fortunately officers and paramedics were able to save his life and stop the bleeding.

Simms, 23, of North Road, Great Yeldham, denied any involvement in the incident throughout the trial.

Halstead Gazette:

Christopher Bergin

Bergin 27, of Hawkwood Road, Halstead, admitted he was there but claimed Simms carried out the violence and he had left before the shot was fired.

Judge David Turner QC remanded both in custody but warned they will receive “lengthy prison sentences”.

He has ordered a report on dangerousness, which could see any sentence increase, and also pre sentence reports on the pair.

They will be sentenced late in January,

Kalebh Shreeve, 24, of Gibson Road, Sible Hedingham, was accused of being the getaway driver and was charged with aggravated burglary, possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

He was unanimously cleared of all charges by the jury.

Following the trial the victim and his wife praised those who saved his life and put the culprits behind bars.

In a joint statement Tim and Sarah Mardon said: "Firstly we would like to extend our thanks to all the officers, paramedics and emergency services who responded on the night of the burglary, and medical staff at Colchester and Addenbrooks hospitals who saved both Tim’s life and his leg.

"We would like to thank all of Det Chief Insp Leighton Hammett’s team, in particular Det Con Christopher Sedgwick for their diligent and extensive work in prosecuting this case, and also the jury and officers of the court for their time and deliberations.

"We are satisfied that Simms and Bergin have been found guilty. They directly caused harm to our family, and they will serve appropriate prison terms."

Punam Malhan, the senior district crown prosecutor for the region, said: "The court heard a desperate 999 call from the homeowner, Timothy Mardon, who had locked himself in his bedroom having heard men breaking into his house.

“While Mr Mardon was on the phone to the police, the sound of a shotgun being fired through the bedroom door was heard followed by Simms screaming demands for money and threats to kill.

“Mr Mardon was left with life changing injuries in an unspeakably vicious attack and I would like to praise him for his bravery in giving evidence against those responsible for the attack on him in his own home, the very place where he expected to be able to feel safe.

“The prosecution case was the defendants held the mistaken belief that they would find a significant amount of money in the house and the shotgun would be used to obtain it.

“Mr Mardon was shot at point blank range causing a severe injury to his leg and was left for dead.”

"The events of that night and its aftermath will stay with Mr Mardon and his family for the rest of their lives. I hope the convictions today can go some way to reassuring them that justice has been done.”

And a spokesman for Essex Police said the streets are now safer.

Det Chief Insp Leighton Hammett, from Essex Police, said: "Simms was a threat. He has gone to a home armed, shot a man and left him bleeding to death.

"He was willing, without much prior thought, to do this.

"This was an extremely violent crime which left a man fighting for his life.

"Charlie Simms and Christopher Bergin are violent, dangerous men and Essex will be a safer place with them off the streets.

"This was not a premeditated attack but one conjured up on a whim following a night of heavy drinking and smoking drugs.

"It was an attack based on the fictional notion drugs were being grown at the victim’s house.

"It is galling that they were prepared to use this level of extreme violence with such little thought and paid such little regard for the welfare of the victim."

Special praise was reserved for the officers who first arrived at the scene and helped to save the victim.

Det Chief Insp Hammett said: "I have nothing but praise for the officers who attended."

They helped stop the blood loss while armed officers stood guard in case the gunmen were still in the home.

He added: "Mr Mardon was left bleeding to death and if it were not for the quick-thinking of the officers at the scene to use a tourniquet on his injury, doctors say he would have died.

"I want to praise the bravery and courage of Mr Mardon throughout this entire process and the work of the investigating officers to help bring these two callous individuals to justice

"Simms and Bergin can expect significant jail time – I hope this conviction sends the message Essex Police will not tolerate violent crime and we will bring the perpetrators to justice”