Two men have been found guilty of charges stemming from a home invasion in Queen’s Park two years ago.
The home invasion happened on July 6, 2016, in the 400 block of Queens Avenue. One person suffered significant injuries in the attack, but by the time officers arrived at the home, the suspects were gone.
Because of the brutality of the incident, a considerable police effort was dedicated to the investigation by the New Westminster Police Department, according to a police press release.
The day after the attack, the first suspect was arrested – Stephen Smith, who was 21 years old at the time.
Smith, from Coquitlam, was charged with aggravated assault, break-and-enter, unlawful confinement, robbery and possession of property obtained by crime.
A second suspect, 22-year-old Victor James of Port Coquitlam, was also arrested in connection with the home invasion and charged with the same offences.
Last month, Smith pled guilty to possession of property obtained by crime and two counts of attempted fraud. James also pled guilty to possession of property obtained by crime.
Both Smith and James stood trial on the remaining charges, and, on June 2, they were found guilty of break-and-enter, aggravated assault, forcible confinement and robbery.
“We are pleased with the outcome of this trial and are hopeful that the victim is able to find some closure now that it is over,” said police spokesperson Sgt. Jeff Scott in the release. “We take violent incidents such as this extremely seriously, and we will leave no stone unturned to ensure that suspects who engage in these types of crimes are held to account before our justice system. We are committed to keeping this city and our citizens safe against those that would seek to do them harm.”
Smith and James are expected back in court for sentencing on June 28. They remain in custody at this time.
