Robber guilty of smashing into Ashley Cole’s home and finger-cutting threats

Ashley Cole thought he was ‘going to die’ after robbers smashed their way into his home (Martin Rickett/PA)

A “dominant and dangerous” robber has been convicted of being part of a four-strong gang who smashed into the home of former England footballer Ashley Cole and threatened to cut his fingers off.

Ex-Arsenal, Chelsea and Derby defender Cole told police he knew “now I am going to die” as he recalled how the masked raiders tied his hands behind his back despite him holding his young daughter in January 2020.