Ashley Cole feared being killed during home raid

The court heard how masked raiders smashed their way into the former England international footballers home. Ashley Cole had his hands tied whilst he was holding his daughter and told police: "I knew now, I am going to die".

Footage was shown to the Nottingham Crown Court of Former Chelsea, Arsenal and Derby defender recalling how, in January 2020, his Surrey home was broken into by four men.

Mr Cole told police he had just got back from working with Chelsea's under 15s before hearing a banging sound. He said, "I was on my knees, waiting to either be killed… I'll never see my kids again. I heard like a banging sound; I could hear it was like outside of my bedroom".

The gang allegedly smashed their way into Ashley Cole and his partner Sharon Canu's home with a sledgehammer, where they also threatened to cut off his finger.

Kurtis Dilks, 34, is charged with being part of the masked gang. He faces four charges of converting criminal property, three charges of conspiracy to commit robbery, three charges of conspiracy to commit burglary and two counts of robbery.

Cole said he saw a minimum of four people running from a bush outside of his home before charging toward his bottom floor windows. He said: "I just heard lots of footsteps running up the stairs. I knew now, I am going to die. I have got my kids in the house, and I have no one to help".

The court heard how the masked intruders made their way upstairs and Cole said, "they put ties on me – they were black, long, and thick. I remember him putting them on behind my back and he did it and tied it… really tight. He's picked me up by my arms and obviously still held my neck."

The trial continues as nine other men are alleged to have taken part in the series of, "ruthlessly executed" burglaries, including the theft of the £3.5million Portland Tiara. 

Whitestone Solicitors

Rochdale