Knife-Wielding Chef Broke Into Benedict Cumberbatch's London Home, Threatened Actor And Family

Benedict Cumberbatch and his family have been threatened by a knife-wielding chef at the actor's home.

Per the Daily Mail, a court has heard that Jack Bissell, 35, a former chef de partie at Mayfair’s five-star Beaumont Hotel, made a series of threats against the Doctor Strange actor, after breaking into the grounds of his home in north London.

Bissell, who hasn't offered any explanation for his behaviour, allegedly told Cumberbatch: "I know you've moved here — I hope it burns down."

Cumberbatch, his wife Sophie Hunter and their three children — Christopher, Hal and Finn — were all at home when Bissell broke into their property and ripped their intercom off the wall, before launching abuse at the film star.

Bissell eventually fled the scene of the crime, but was later tracked down by police, who were able to find him using DNA evidence.

He appeared at Wood Green Crown Court in London earlier this month, when he admitted to causing criminal damage. The former chef was fined £250 (S$418) and given a three-year restraining order.

A source told the Daily Mail: "Naturally all of the family were absolutely terrified and thought this guy was going to get in and hurt them.

"Luckily it never went that far."

The court heard that Bissell bought two packets of pitta bread from a nearby shop and told a local shopkeeper that he planned to break into the Cumberbatches' house and burn it to the ground.

The insider explained: "Benedict and Sophie have had many sleepless nights since worrying that they may be targeted again.

"The fact that it was a targeted intrusion makes it a lot more scary." 

 This isn't the first time Cumberbatch has been imperiled by intruders. In 2004, while filming in South Africa, he was abducted by a gang of six men, and convinced them not to lock him in the trunk of a car. 

He said then: “It taught me that you come into this world as you leave it, on your own. It's made me want to live a life slightly less ordinary.”— BANG SHOWBIZ

Photo: TPG News/Click Photos

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