VICIOUS thugs who stun-gunned a frightened woman before stamping on her husband’s head during a horrifying burglary have been slammed behind bars.

Gary Thompson, 47, of Sidney Road, Ludlow, and Barry Sharp, 45, of Britten Road, Lowestoft, forced their way into a home in Halstead Road, Fordham.

The woman living at the property had opened the door to the attackers who were wearing high visibility jackets, after believing them to be delivery drivers dropping off flowers.

Once inside, however, she and her husband, who are both in their 50s, were subjected to a violent and terrifying ordeal which first saw the woman shocked with a stun device.

The burglars then threatened her and demanded money before striking her in the head using an object.

Echo: Gary ThompsonGary Thompson

Her husband then came through the front door with a third man before his wife witnessed him having his head stamped on in the vicious assault.

He was also stunned and had ladders placed on top him before the couple both had their hands tied with cables while enduring further threats of violence.

While incapacitated, the crooks raided the home before eventually fleeing with cash and jewellery, before the man freed himself and called his son and the police.

More than three years on from the traumatic ordeal, which took place on November 17 2018 at about 9am, Thompson and Sharp have been jailed to 25 years in prison.

Following a trial at Ipswich Crown Court, the pair were found guilty of conspiring to commit burglary, despite denying the charges.

The next day at the same court Thompson was jailed for 12 years while Sharp was sentenced to 13 years.

Detective Sergeant David Crane, from Essex Police’s serious and organised crime unit, said: “Gary Thompson and Barry Sharp subjected their victims to a horrifying ordeal in their own home, inflicting an unimaginable level of violence.

“Nobody should be left fearful for their safety in their home.

“I am pleased that through meticulous detective work we have been able to identify Thompson and Sharp and ensure they now face the foreseeable future behind bars.

“I want to praise the victims for their bravery throughout this ordeal.” 

“I hope this conviction and sentencing will help them move forward.”

Echo: Barry SharpBarry Sharp

Thompson and Sharp had initially been arrested in May 2019 after a tradesperson witnessed the vehicles the men had arrived in.

CCTV later identified a white BMW had been in the company of the thugs’ Citroen Berlingo van shortly before the burglary took place.

Officers were then able to identify Sharp as one of the registered keepers of the BMW while DNA matching Thompson was found on the cable ties used to tie the wife.

Officers were also able to establish that Thompson and Sharp had been in contact frequently in the days leading up to burglary.