In a shocking turn of events, an 18-year-old burglar armed with an axe mistakenly broke into the home of a mother and her baby in Rhayader, Powys. Ryan Lee Polverino and his knife-carrying accomplice smashed their way into the wrong house at 12:40 am, terrifying the residents within. Hearing the commotion, the mum confronted the intruders, only to realise the seriousness of the threat as they demanded to know “Where is it?”
In a dramatic twist, the situation defused when Polverino recognised the woman’s voice, pulled down his face covering, and apologised, admitting, “We have got the wrong f****** place, we have got the wrong person.” Despite his apologies, they warned her against calling the police, threatening a return visit if she did.
Not long after their hasty exit, authorities caught up with the duo near a local leisure centre. Polverino has since pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary and carrying a blade and now faces over four years behind bars, with a 10-year restraining order to boot.
The mum bravely opened up about the ongoing impact of the ordeal, admitting that she now feels fearful even seeing groups of young boys. Meanwhile, Polverino’s defence shared that he had faced an unstable upbringing, coupled with early substance abuse and no academic qualifications.
Judge Daniel Williams handed down a sentence of four years and six months. Let’s hope this brings a sense of justice and relief to the mum and her little one. Stay safe out there, everyone!