Family of burglars jailed for horror home robbery

A FAMILY of masked burglars who terrorised a prominent restaurateur and his family at gunpoint have been jailed for the “appalling crime”.

Generic picture of two masked burglars entering house through glass sliding door.

A FAMILY of masked burglars who terrorised a prominent restaurateur and his family at gunpoint, threatening to crush his skull and chop off fingers as they demanded cash and gold, have been jailed for the “appalling crime”.

James Frangos was beaten with a metal pole as his family watched and was told he would be shot if he didn’t comply with their demands for money.

His wife Dianne, their two daughters and three grandchildren aged under three were in the home at the time of the December 2010 robbery.

Kerry Francine Murrell, 46, her brother Lloyd Anthony Murrell, 43, and their nephew Anoir Murrell, 25, were behind the attack at Lake Wendouree.

The gang targeted the Frangos after a former employee of the couple, who own award-winning Daylesford restaurant Frangos & Frangos and an eatery in Lorne, told them they were rich.

County Court judge Richard Maidment said the Murrells — who have extensive criminal histories — used a pistol, sawn-off air rifle and pipe to steal ornamental dolls, jewellery, cash, cameras and a computer after being led to believe there would be large sums of money at the home.

“They were appalling crimes committed without any concern for your victims, mercilessly and motivated by greed, nothing else,” the judge said.

“There is no doubt that you have significantly destroyed their quality of life ... and have (borne) them scars that will not heal.”

Lloyd and Kerry Murrell pleaded guilty to one count of armed robbery and Lloyd to two charges of handling stolen goods.

Anoir Murrell was found guilty by a jury of aggravated burglary and four counts of armed robbery.

Lloyd Murrell, who is currently serving a 14-year sentence, was released from jail on parole about a month before committing the brutal crime.

He was sentenced to seven years and six months, two years of which would be served at the same time as his current sentence.

Judge Maidment said he should be ashamed of his behaviour and would spend at least the next 12 years in prison.

Kerry Murrell was sentenced to a minimum term of three years and three months. She has served 713 days in pre-sentence detention.

Anoir Murrell was sentenced to at least four years and two months for his “unfortunate” role in the crimes.