Benedict Cumberbatch fearing for his life after terrifying home invasion
Benedict Cumberbatch and his family have reportedly been left fearing for their lives as a knife-wielding man broke into the star’s North London home and threatened him.
The Daily Mail reported that 35-year-old Jack Bissell, who previously worked as a chef at the Beaumont Hotel in Mayfair, kicked his way through the front gate of the Marvel star’s multimillion-dollar property, allegedly shouting, “I know you’ve moved here. I hope it burns down.”
Cumberbatch, 46, his wife, Sophia Hunter, 45, and their three children were reportedly in the home at the time of the break-in and could hear the intruder screaming outside, according to Page Six.
Bissell also allegedly took one of the family’s plants and threw it at the garden wall, and ripped the intercom off the building after spitting on it.
The intruder reportedly fled the scene before police arrived but, authorities were able to track him down due to DNA evidence he left on the intercom.
Bissell was reportedly arrested, fined and slapped with a three-year restraining order from the Cumberbatch family.
A source told the outlet, “Naturally all of the family were absolutely terrified and thought this guy was going to get in and hurt them.
“Luckily it never went that far. Benedict and Sophie have had many sleepless nights since, worrying that they may be targeted again,” the insider said.
“The fact that it was a targeted intrusion makes it a lot more scary.”
During the trial, prosecutors said Bissell allegedly told a nearby shopkeeper that he had planned to break into the actor’s home and burn it down.
Bissell pleaded guilty and was sentenced on May 10. However, details surrounding the date of the incident have not been disclosed.
According to the Daily Mail, facts of the case could not be reported until they “successfully challenged blanket reporting restrictions this week”.
No clear connection between Bissell and Cumberbatch has been established.
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