One of the men accused of being part of the gang that subjected Mark Cavendish and his family to a "distressing" violent robbery at their home in England has changed his plea to guilty. Two other men accused of being his accomplices are pleading not guilty and are set to go on trial.
A gang, at least one of whom was armed with a knife, broke into the Cavendish family home while the pro cyclist, his wife Peta and the couple’s children were at home in Ongar, Essex, on November 27th last.
Cavendish said he was violently attacked by the men, who also threatened his wife; all while their young children looked on. The raiders also ransacked the house and stole property, including two very expensive watches.
Ali Sesay (28) Rainham, east London, has pleaded guilty to two counts of robbery at Chelmsford Crown Court. He admits stealing Cavendish's watch, phone and safe, and taking his wife Peta's watch, phone and suitcase.
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Two other men - both from south-east London - Romario Henry (31) and Oludewa Okorosobo (28), are charged but have pleaded not guilty to two counts of robbery. They are due to stand trial, starting on January 3rd.
A Louis Vuitton suitcase and two high-value watches were stolen during the robbery during which Cavendish and his wife were threatened. Det Insp Tony Atkin, the senior investigating officer, pointed out at the time that the attack occurred when Cavendish was recovering from the injuries he sustained in his crash at the Ghent Six Day.
“This was undoubtedly a targeted incident at the home of a celebrated British Olympian, who at the time was recovering from significant injuries resulting from a crash while competing, which was well publicised,” he said at the time.
“Our investigation is moving along at pace and we are following a number of lines of inquiry as we seek to catch those responsible.”
