Updated: Man found guilty of violent burglary at champion shooter's home

A man has been found guilty of carrying out a violent burglary at the Northiam home of champion clay pigeon shooter George Digweed.
George Digweed SUS-150422-154151001George Digweed SUS-150422-154151001
George Digweed SUS-150422-154151001

Mark Love, 38, of Staplehurst in Kent, had been on trial at Maidstone Crown Court.

A jury delivered a guilty verdict this lunchtime (Thursday, September 29).

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Love was also found guilty of the murder of pensioner Roy Blackman at his bungalow in Biddenden

Mark Love. Picture courtesy of Kent Police. SUS-160929-134441001Mark Love. Picture courtesy of Kent Police. SUS-160929-134441001
Mark Love. Picture courtesy of Kent Police. SUS-160929-134441001

Mr Blackman, 73, was bludgeoned to death and his body was found on March 21.

A number of items had been stolen from Mr Blackman’s house, including a large safe that held a large amount of cash, firearms, and jewellery.

Kent Police quickly identified Love as a suspect in the murder and the burglary at Mr Digweed’s home in Ewhurst Lane in Northiam.

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On February 21, a group of four men smashed their way into Mr Digweed’s home, assaulted both him and his wife Kate, and stole a large amount of cash, a Toyota Hilux and firearms.

A dark-coloured Mini Cooper had been seen by passers-by to be parked dangerously, near to Mr Digweed’s home, and this was to become relevant later in the inquiry.

DNA was recovered from a club hammer and taser that were left behind and this was matched to Love.

The Hilux was later seized by officers on March 7 after it was abandoned in Biddenden.

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Speaking after the incident earlier this year, Mr Digweed, who is originally from Hastings, said: “We are both mentally scarred forever.

“I’m also pretty sore.”

Love was sentenced to life imprisonment and will serve a minimum of 28 years before being considered for parole.

Detective Inspector Lee Whitehead from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate said: “In relation to the attack in Northiam, I hope this conviction will go some way in allowing the victims to move on with their lives after such a traumatic incident.

“They have my thanks for their support and patience throughout this inquiry.”

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And DI Whitehead had a message for the other, as yet unidentified, men who took part in the raids.

He said: “Mark Love was not alone in committing these offences and I would like to reassure members of the public that our investigation will continue to identify those who are yet to face justice.”

Love is due to be sentenced this afternoon.

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