'Bogeyman' Burglar Arrested After Being Found Under A Young Boy's Bed Wearing Only The Child's Pants
A burglar was found hiding beneath a young boy's bed, wearing only the child's pants, in Folkestone, Kent.
Ahmad Hassan earned the moniker of a real-life "bogeyman" amongst law enforcement, instilling fear in the child, who is now reluctant to enter his bedroom alone. The incident left the boy's brother so distressed that he vomited.
The incident occurred at Canterbury Crown Court following the family's return from trick-or-treating with their mother.
Although the family initially assumed the intruder had departed despite the open doors and windows and the disarray inside their Folkestone, Kent, home, their presumption was shattered when one of the boys stumbled upon the "mortifying" scene beneath his bed.
Upon notification, the police discovered Hassan, 28, occupying a different bedroom, lying sprawled out in a starfish position on the floor, still clad in the child's orange pants. Despite Hassan's denial of burglary with intent to steal, a 40-minute jury deliberation led to his conviction.
During his trial, where he remained silent, Hassan was characterized by a police officer as "the Bogeyman." Canterbury Crown Court learned of his drug influence during the incident.
While sentencing Hassan to jail, the judge expressed her inability to comprehend the emotional impact on his young victim on October 31, 2023.
During the sentencing hearing, prosecutor Alex Matthews outlined the disturbing scene the family encountered upon returning home on Halloween. Toys were scattered, wet clothes strewn about, and signs of disturbance in their living space were present. One of the youn children discovered Hassan concealed under their bed.
"It was thought no one was in the house but, to the shock of one of the children, it transpired the defendant was hiding under the child's bed," Matthews said, according to MSN.
Despite no forced entry and no items stolen, the psychological impact on the family, detailed in the mother's victim impact statement, was profound. She revealed how her children were deeply traumatized, with one now fearful of being alone in their own home and the other physically sickened by the experience.
Recorder Christine Wilson sentenced Hassan to 2.5 years in jail. Additionally, Hassan received a 10-year restraining order from the family.
