Masked machete thug jailed after Bassingbourn violence

A man who went on a rampage through Bassingbourn with a machete has been jailed.

Wearing a balaclava, gloves and brandishing a machete, Nathan Smith smashed cars and terrified residents by demanding cash in the early hours of 21 November 2023.

The 33-year-old, who was highly intoxicated, was found by armed police a short while later, asleep on the ground with the machete lying next to him.

On Tuesday 25 June 2024, Smith was sentenced to nearly six years in prison after pleading guilty to aggravated burglary, possession of an offensive weapon and three counts of criminal damage.

Detective Constable Zoe Bramley, Cambridgeshire Police:

"Smith’s actions cannot be blamed on his intoxication at the time.

"His actions demonstrated a level of planning as he was wearing gloves, a balaclava and was wielding a machete.

"He went on a rampage using extreme violence damaging three vehicles in the street before terrorising the occupants of the property he targeted.

"I hope that following this sentence, the victims can now feel safe within their community.”