Philip Spence was convicted today at Southwark Crown Court for the attempted murder of three sisters at the Cumberland Hotel on 6 April 2014.
Baljit Ubhey, Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS London, said:
“This was a truly horrific crime which displayed a shocking level of violence.
“This family were enjoying a holiday in our city when they were brutally and viciously attacked whilst they lay sleeping in their beds. Philip Spence used a hammer to try to kill the women before stealing their belongings.
“Not only were the three sisters severely injured in the attack, their children were in the room at the time and witnessed the horror of the violence.
“I would like to praise the immense courage of the victims who gave evidence in court whilst still undergoing medical treatment for their injuries and thank them for their help in bringing Spence to justice.
“Spence refused to take responsibility for his actions and despite pleading guilty to causing grievous bodily harm we did not accept that this reflected the criminality of his actions which showed a clear intent to kill. The jury agreed with this and have convicted Spence of attempted murder.
“Those who live and work in the capital, and those who visit, should be able to enjoy the city without fear of violence and the CPS is committed to working with police partners to tackle and prosecute violent crime.”
Background
Philip Spence was convicted of three counts attempted murder and conspiracy to cause aggravated burglary (with Thomas Efremi), he had previously pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary.
Thomas Efremi pleaded guilty to one count of fraud. Within hours of the aggravated burglary he used stolen bankcards to withdraw £5000. He was also convicted of a conspiracy with Philip Spence to commit aggravated burglary.
James Moss pleaded guilty to handling stolen goods. This included mobile phones, handbags and jewellery belonging to the three victims and their family.
