Two men sentenced to 17 years in prison for robbery of elderly Chichester couple

TWO men who robbed an elderly Chichester couple, bludgeoning the husband to the ground, have been sentenced to 17 years imprisonment.

Christopher Doughty and Wolfgang Schmelz are dangerous men who are willing to use violence to satisfy their greed; said District Crown Prosecutor Nigel Knight speaking after both men were sentenced at Hove Crown Court on Thursday for the robbery of an elderly couple.

Christopher Doughty, 48, and Wolfgang Schmelz, 58, were both found guilty of robbery and were each sentenced to 17 years imprisonment.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

During the evening of 4th June 2006 three men in black balaclavas burst into the living room of Thomas and Sarah Williams whilst they were watching television in their home just outside Chichester. One of the men had a truncheon.

Mrs. Williams was tied up, a fleece thrown over her head and led to the sofa. Mr. Williams struggled with the robbers, but was bludgeoned to the ground and a bag was placed over his head. Over the next five hours the robbers carefully and systematically removed many of their possessions whilst the victims were kept in the living room.

For full story see West Sussex Gazette February 11