A man from London has been sentenced to 13 years in prison after being found guilty of leading a terrifying armed burglary in Plymouth.
Bektas Gurgur, 38, of Stamford Road, Tottenham, was convicted by a jury at Plymouth Crown Court of aggravated burglary at a home in Devonport.
The incident, which took place on February 17, 2024, involved three men storming into a house on Monument Street, threatening the occupants and stealing cash and car keys worth over £12,000.
CCTV and Ring doorbell footage presented during the trial showed Gurgur and co-defendants Curtis Smith, Altan Tezcan, and Engin Timur forcing their way into the property while armed with an imitation firearm and a knife.
Shouts of “you’ll get shot” were captured as they barged into the home where a car dealer lived with his partner, two children, brother, and a friend.
While Gurgur denied involvement, claiming he was in Plymouth for a cannabis deal, the jury found the evidence against him “utterly overwhelming.”
His Honour Judge Linford told Gurgur the break-in had been carefully planned, stating:
"You were the oldest, the most criminally sophisticated. You have a highly relevant conviction for an identical offence in 2012. I am satisfied that you were the guiding hand behind this. This was your operation."
During the break-in, Tezcan brandished a gun at one victim, warning him to "back up or I will shoot you", while Smith carried a knife. Timur acted as the getaway driver.
The court also heard that Gurgur had a previous conviction for a similar offence in 2012, where he was jailed for 11 years for another aggravated burglary involving a firearm and stabbing.
Despite his defence arguing poor mental health and impulsivity, His Honour Judge Linford concluded the burglary was premeditated and motivated by financial gain. He said the trauma inflicted on the victims had “devastated” their lives, relationships, and business.
Detective Constable Lee Sheldon praised the bravery of the victims in giving evidence, saying:
"I want to personally thank the victims and the wider family for their patience and assistance in bringing this offender to justice, and more so their bravery to take this matter to court, in what has been a complex and extensive investigation."
The three co-defendants – Smith, Tezcan, and Timur – had already pleaded guilty and await sentencing.
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