Burglar who tried to smash his way into Anya Taylor-Joy’s bedroom jailed for 3 years

A burglar who attempted to break into the bedroom of Hollywood actress Anya Taylor-Joy during a home invasion at a luxury London residence has been sentenced to three years in prison, authorities announced Wednesday.

Kirk Holdrick, who was already serving time for other armed robberies, was convicted in the February 12, 2023 incident that targeted the star of Netflix’s hit series “The Queen’s Gambit” and her husband, musician Malcolm McRae. The case was heard at London’s Woolwich Crown Court, where Holdrick received his sentence on December 12.

According to prosecutors, the circumstances of the break-in suggest a disturbing personal focus on the actress rather than typical burglary motivations. Holdrick and an accomplice bypassed valuable items throughout the property, instead concentrating their efforts specifically on accessing the bedroom where Taylor-Joy and McRae were staying.

“The perpetrators’ actions indicated this was not a standard theft attempt,” said a representative from the Crown Prosecution Service. “Their determination to breach the bedroom door specifically, rather than stealing readily available valuables, pointed to a more targeted and concerning intent.”

Court documents revealed that Holdrick and another masked man, both wearing balaclavas and gloves, scaled a wall to gain access to the property. When the intruders attempted to force their way into the couple’s bedroom using a crowbar, McRae quickly secured the door and shouted that he had a gun, causing the burglars to flee the scene.

The invasion marks a troubling example of the security concerns facing high-profile entertainment figures, even in exclusive London neighborhoods. Taylor-Joy, 28, rose to international fame with her breakout role in the 2020 Netflix series “The Queen’s Gambit,” which became one of the streaming platform’s most-watched limited series. She has since starred in critically acclaimed films including “Last Night in Soho” and “The Menu,” cementing her position as one of Hollywood’s most sought-after young actresses.

Security experts note that celebrities increasingly face sophisticated targeting by criminals who monitor social media and public appearances to track their movements. The incident highlights the importance of comprehensive security measures for public figures, particularly those with Taylor-Joy’s level of visibility.

While initial reports did not specify the exact location of the property, London’s high-end residential areas have experienced a series of similar incidents targeting prominent individuals in recent years. Many affluent neighborhoods have responded by increasing private security presence and implementing enhanced surveillance systems.

Holdrick initially denied involvement in the break-in but later changed his plea to guilty as evidence mounted against him. The identity of his accomplice has not been publicly disclosed, and it remains unclear whether authorities have identified or apprehended the second suspect.

The case follows a pattern of home invasions targeting celebrities in major cities worldwide, with similar incidents reported in Los Angeles, New York, and Paris in recent years. Security consultants specializing in celebrity protection have noted a concerning trend of criminals becoming more brazen in their approaches, often entering occupied homes rather than waiting for residents to be away.

Neither Taylor-Joy nor McRae have publicly commented on the incident or the sentencing. The couple, who reportedly married in 2022, have generally maintained privacy regarding their personal lives despite Taylor-Joy’s growing public profile.

The three-year sentence will run concurrently with Holdrick’s existing prison terms for previous armed robbery convictions, according to court officials.