Robber threatened to cut off Cole's fingers after smashing into home

Ashley Cole

told authorities he feared "now I'm going to die" after masked intruders tied his hands behind his back in January 2020. Kurtis Dilks was the lone robbery suspect captured when his DNA was found on the cable ties used to confine Cole and

Sharon Canu

.

The 35-year-old courier claimed cable ties and a knife seized from the scene in Fetcham, Surrey, were taken from his truck. Dilks and five others were convicted of "ruthlessly executed" robberies and burglaries between October 2018 and January 2020.

Dilks was also convicted of plotting to rob Tom Huddlestone's wife in May 2019 with Ashley Cumberpatch and Andrew MacDonald. The trio was also convicted of stealing a 3.5m tiara worn to Edward VII's coronation from the Harley Gallery in Worksop, Nottinghamshire, in 2018.

Dilks didn't react as jurors revealed their findings Friday. CCTV video from Cole's home shows the ex-footballer being taken up and down the stairs by burglars. The break-in grabbed watches, phones, cash, a Gucci bag, headphones, and a BMW smart key. Cole told police: "On my knees, expecting to die... Never again!"

Police are still looking for the other three robbers. Cole was working as a

youth coach at the time of the assault when he heard a noise "vibrating up the walls." Prosecutor Michael Brady QC claimed Cole instructed his partner to phone the police after hiding in a wardrobe.

Jury: "One of the burglars unlocked the wardrobe door and snatched Ms. Canu's phone while she called the police. "Ms. Canu followed the burglar who took her phone to Mr. Cole's bedroom. She noticed Mr. Cole kneeling with his wrists bound behind him." Mr. Brady said Ms. Canu got concerned after seeing a "big" sledgehammer used to destroy the bifold doors below.

After Cole maintained he had no jewelry or watches, one burglar "grabbed the back of his neck and squeezed it," the prosecution said. Mr. Brady said Ms. Canu was stabbed. "She refused to have her wrists shackled," he stated. "When confronted with a knife, her bravery waned. Do you want the knife? he asked."

He continued: "Mr. Cole's hands were likewise shackled with wire ties. Mr. Cole's arms were then lifted. His family was upset. "Mr. Cole said a stocky, aggressive man with an Irish accent kept repeating, "Let's slash his fingers." "Then, he had pliers. "Despite the stocky robber's efforts to assault him with pliers, the robber Mr. Cole described as the 'boss guy' blocked the attack from going ahead. One thief yelled "Police" and the others ran. Dilks will be sentenced on July 15 at the same court.

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