Grandmother Undergoing Cancer Treatment Targeted in Terrifying Armed Home Invasion
A grandmother receiving cancer treatment has allegedly been targeted in a frightening armed home invasion, resulting in charges against a teenage boy. Linda Bray, aged 62, was staying at her daughter's residence in Springfield Lakes, Ipswich, while undergoing chemotherapy when two armed offenders reportedly broke into the home around 3:30 am on Saturday.
Police allege that the pair entered the Jupiter Street property armed with knives and threatened Bray, demanding property from her. According to Bray, one of the offenders used a mobile phone to communicate, displaying a message that read, 'this is a robbery'. She recounted the harrowing experience to 7NEWS, describing how the men threatened her with a knife and a meat cleaver.
Threats and Theft During the Ordeal
The offenders allegedly claimed there were four individuals involved and that Bray's family was being held hostage, a statement that deeply distressed her. 'That to me rips my heart out, they're my grandbabies,' Bray expressed. The intruders stole several items, including children's shoes, a vape, a wallet, and car keys, before attempting to steal a vehicle.
However, they were unable to drive the car after realizing it was a manual transmission. Bray noted that they moved it back about a meter before abandoning the attempt, which she described as 'the funniest part' of the otherwise traumatic event. Despite the ordeal, Bray was not physically injured, but concerns have been raised about the potential impact of the trauma on her ongoing cancer treatment.
Charges and Ongoing Investigation
On Monday afternoon, police charged a 15-year-old boy from Springfield Lakes in connection with the incident. He faces multiple charges, including two counts of enter premises and commit indictable offence, and one count each of enter dwelling with intent whilst armed and armed robbery. The boy has been dealt with under the provisions of the Youth Justice Act.
Another offender remains at large, and police investigations are ongoing. Authorities are urging anyone with information, relevant CCTV footage, or dashcam vision to come forward to assist in the case. Bray's daughter, Sabra Brookes, emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, 'These people could have just stopped you getting life-saving treatment.'
