Jordan Malcom-Taylor, 28, and Nikisha Hosten, 22, had planned to raid a property in Virginia Water, Surrey, in 2020. However, they were spotted running in the back garden and, despite escaping a pursuing passenger, were arrested by police shortly afterwards. Officers later traced Hosten’s phone, where they found web searches for “what to do with £3m”, “where to get a gun” and “how to open a locked window” in her browser history. Other damning evidence came to light after the pair were arrested, including CCTV footage of them making a reconnaissance visit to the area the day before the crime. A search of Hosten’s home also turned up a key belonging to the patio door of the home where the burglary was to take place. Both were found guilty of attempted burglary and possession of an imitation firearm after a trial at Kingston Crown Court. And Malcom-Taylor, from Tottenham, was jailed for nine years and nine months, while Hosten, from Mitcham, was jailed for 11 years. Jurors heard how the duo looked for a suitable house to break into during the weeks leading up to their run-up. The couple settled on a property in Virginia Water – where houses can sell for many millions of pounds – and entered through a fence on April 15, 2020. But they were spotted running into the back garden and one of the occupants chased after Malcom-Taylor in an attempt to get him to stop, but he managed to get away. Local police who responded to the incident later arrested Malcom-Taylor in his getaway vehicle after they noticed he matched the suspect’s description. And inside the car they found two knives, an imitation firearm, handcuffs and a bank card belonging to Hosten, who was then arrested at her home two days later. A bag seized near the house, which was thrown by Malcom-Taylor during his escape, was also found to contain a claw hammer, cable ties and a can of petrol. The pair were sentenced on Friday, July 29, after initially pleading not guilty to the charges. After the sentencing, Detective Sergeant Hannah Clarke of Surrey Police said it was a “relief” the pair were now behind bars. He said: “Hosten and Malcom-Taylor had planned to carry out a violent burglary and showed an appalling disregard for their victims in the process. Fortunately, their plans were thwarted. “The evidence against them was overwhelming and painted a true picture of the lengths to which they were willing to go purely for selfish, monetary gain. It is a relief that they are now behind bars.” SWNS
