Spider-Man No Way Home star Benedict Cumberbatch including his family faced a horrifying ordeal. His former chef wielding a fish knife attacked his home. The attack, which occurred earlier this month, left the actor, his wife, and their three children shaken but thankfully unharmed.
The assailant, identified as 35-year-old Jack Bissell, reportedly kicked through the front iron gate of Cumberbatch’s residence. Witnesses recounted that Bissell exclaimed, “I know you’ve moved here, I hope it burns down,” in a fit of rage. This alarming incident recently came to light after legal restrictions on reporting were successfully challenged by the Daily Mail.
Bissell pleaded guilty in wood green crown court and paid £250. In addition, a three-year restraining order was imposed, prohibiting him from coming near Cumberbatch’s family and their residential area.
According to court proceedings, Bissell had previously worked as a chef at a Mayfair hotel until 2020. On the day of the incident, he uprooted a plant from the garden and hurled it at the wall. Spitting at the intercom and forcefully removing it using a fish knife. Although he fled the scene, his apprehension became possible due to the discovery of his DNA on the damaged intercom.
A close source to the Cumberbatch family revealed to the Daily Mail. “The entire family experienced overwhelming terror, fearing that the intruder would break in and cause them harm. Luckily it never went that far. Benedict and Sophie live in constant fear.”
During the court proceedings, it came to light that Bissell had bought two packs of pitta bread from a nearby shop before carrying out the attack. Disturbingly, he had reportedly informed the shopkeeper of his intention to break into Cumberbatch’s house and set it ablaze. The motive behind Bissell’s targeted attack remains unclear, as he provided no defense in court.
Bissell’s criminal record paints a concerning picture, with a previous theft conviction, three warnings for offenses against property, a public order offense, and a drug offense. In 2015, photographers captured his images of arrests during protests against military intervention in Syria in central London.
As fans and well-wishers express their support for the Cumberbatch family, authorities are likely to remain vigilant to prevent any further incidents.
