Menu
01/03/2011
45 Years For Armed Robbers
A team of prolific armed robbers have been sentenced to 45 years imprisonment at Kingston Crown Court.
Jacob Bernard, 29, Francis Banya, 19, Earljay Walters, 19, Michael Lindo, 30, and a 17-year-old (who was 15 years old at the time of the offence) from south west London committed forty offences during a eight week crime spree.
In the latter part of 2009 the gang engaged in a string of violent armed robberies across south London. Initially targeting off licences and bookmakers, the gang's offending diversified into attacks on public houses and restaurants culminating in 'old fashion' style bank robberies.
During the attacks the gang used masks or balaclavas to disguise their appearance, brandished a handgun and threatened to kill staff if their demands for money were not met. To further intimidate their victims the gun would be racked or used to strike staff, with several people hospitalised in the attacks.
On 6 November 2009 Lindo, Banya and Walters robbed The Falcon public house, storming the pub as it closed and holding a gun to the head of a member of staff. They violently assaulted another member of staff when they couldn't gain access to the safe, before fleeing with stolen mobile phones and bottles of wine. During a robbery at The Queens Arms public house, on 22 November 2009, Banya and Walters held a female member of staff at gunpoint. They assaulted her and stole a large amount of cash before escaping in a stolen car.
The offending escalated and on 4 December 2009 the gang committed an armed robbery at Barclays Bank in south east London. During the offence a customer was held at gunpoint and threats were made to kill her unless bank employees emptied the tills. The gang escaped with a large quantity of cash.
Following a pro-active operation by the Metropolitan Police Service's Flying Squad at Barnes four defendants were arrested on 17 December 2009 immediately after committing an armed robbery at the NatWest Bank on Balham High Road. Bernard, Banya, Lindo and Winters had entered the premises shortly before closing time wearing balaclavas and masks and brandishing an imitation firearm.
They stole a large quantity of cash before fleeing to two waiting getaway vehicles where they were arrested by Flying Squad officers.
During a six week period, the gang were responsible for forty armed robberies across South London. They pleaded guilty to a number of these offences at subsequent court hearings.
Banya was sentenced to 10 years for 16 robberies and possession of a firearm. Walters was sentenced to 12 years for 14 robberies and possession of a firearm. Bernard was sentenced to 14 years for 11 robberies and possession of a firearm. Lindo pleaded guilty to two robbery offences and possession of a firearm and has been sentenced to nine year's imprisonment. The 17-year-old boy was sentenced to a youth rehabilitation order for one robbery and possession of an imitation firearm at Natwest Bank.
Detective Chief Inspector Pam Mace from the Flying Squad at Barnes said: "These defendants were extremely violent young men who used firearms to enforce their demands and intimidate people who were just doing their jobs or going about their daily life. This series of violent robberies must have been terrifying for all the victims. This was an outstanding investigation which has resulted in a ruthless team of robbers being removed from the streets of South London."
(BMcN/GK)
Jacob Bernard, 29, Francis Banya, 19, Earljay Walters, 19, Michael Lindo, 30, and a 17-year-old (who was 15 years old at the time of the offence) from south west London committed forty offences during a eight week crime spree.
In the latter part of 2009 the gang engaged in a string of violent armed robberies across south London. Initially targeting off licences and bookmakers, the gang's offending diversified into attacks on public houses and restaurants culminating in 'old fashion' style bank robberies.
During the attacks the gang used masks or balaclavas to disguise their appearance, brandished a handgun and threatened to kill staff if their demands for money were not met. To further intimidate their victims the gun would be racked or used to strike staff, with several people hospitalised in the attacks.
On 6 November 2009 Lindo, Banya and Walters robbed The Falcon public house, storming the pub as it closed and holding a gun to the head of a member of staff. They violently assaulted another member of staff when they couldn't gain access to the safe, before fleeing with stolen mobile phones and bottles of wine. During a robbery at The Queens Arms public house, on 22 November 2009, Banya and Walters held a female member of staff at gunpoint. They assaulted her and stole a large amount of cash before escaping in a stolen car.
The offending escalated and on 4 December 2009 the gang committed an armed robbery at Barclays Bank in south east London. During the offence a customer was held at gunpoint and threats were made to kill her unless bank employees emptied the tills. The gang escaped with a large quantity of cash.
Following a pro-active operation by the Metropolitan Police Service's Flying Squad at Barnes four defendants were arrested on 17 December 2009 immediately after committing an armed robbery at the NatWest Bank on Balham High Road. Bernard, Banya, Lindo and Winters had entered the premises shortly before closing time wearing balaclavas and masks and brandishing an imitation firearm.
They stole a large quantity of cash before fleeing to two waiting getaway vehicles where they were arrested by Flying Squad officers.
During a six week period, the gang were responsible for forty armed robberies across South London. They pleaded guilty to a number of these offences at subsequent court hearings.
Banya was sentenced to 10 years for 16 robberies and possession of a firearm. Walters was sentenced to 12 years for 14 robberies and possession of a firearm. Bernard was sentenced to 14 years for 11 robberies and possession of a firearm. Lindo pleaded guilty to two robbery offences and possession of a firearm and has been sentenced to nine year's imprisonment. The 17-year-old boy was sentenced to a youth rehabilitation order for one robbery and possession of an imitation firearm at Natwest Bank.
Detective Chief Inspector Pam Mace from the Flying Squad at Barnes said: "These defendants were extremely violent young men who used firearms to enforce their demands and intimidate people who were just doing their jobs or going about their daily life. This series of violent robberies must have been terrifying for all the victims. This was an outstanding investigation which has resulted in a ruthless team of robbers being removed from the streets of South London."
(BMcN/GK)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 January 2011
Six Convicted Over 'SAS-Style' Robberies
Six men have been convicted at court for committing a string of 'SAS-style' robberies across London and three counties. The gang, who dressed in black uniforms complete with balaclavas, would arm themselves with machetes, firearms and Tasers to raid building societies and commercial businesses in East London, Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk.
Six Convicted Over 'SAS-Style' Robberies
Six men have been convicted at court for committing a string of 'SAS-style' robberies across London and three counties. The gang, who dressed in black uniforms complete with balaclavas, would arm themselves with machetes, firearms and Tasers to raid building societies and commercial businesses in East London, Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk.
22 October 2009
London Robbers Sentenced
Two men were this week sentenced to a total of nine years imprisonment at Harrow Crown Court for their part in a series of armed robberies in northwest London. Ashton Cato-Bell, 19, of Lilburn Walk, Harlesden received six years imprisonment.
London Robbers Sentenced
Two men were this week sentenced to a total of nine years imprisonment at Harrow Crown Court for their part in a series of armed robberies in northwest London. Ashton Cato-Bell, 19, of Lilburn Walk, Harlesden received six years imprisonment.
19 November 2009
Multiple Robber Jailed
A criminal who evaded police after committing a series of armed robberies has been jailed for nine years. Grant Findlay, aged 23, of Marvels Lane, Bromley, was sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court on Tuesday November 17, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to rob between April 1 and May 17 2008 and possession of an imitation firearm with intent.
Multiple Robber Jailed
A criminal who evaded police after committing a series of armed robberies has been jailed for nine years. Grant Findlay, aged 23, of Marvels Lane, Bromley, was sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court on Tuesday November 17, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to rob between April 1 and May 17 2008 and possession of an imitation firearm with intent.
28 April 2008
Man Jailed For String Of Robberies
A man has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for a series of robberies. Graham Farrell from Swanley, Kent, pleaded guilty to nine counts of robbery and nine counts of possession of an imitation firearm. A further 3 cases were taken into consideration. Farrell, 44, embarked on a series of bank robberies on 27 April, 2006.
Man Jailed For String Of Robberies
A man has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for a series of robberies. Graham Farrell from Swanley, Kent, pleaded guilty to nine counts of robbery and nine counts of possession of an imitation firearm. A further 3 cases were taken into consideration. Farrell, 44, embarked on a series of bank robberies on 27 April, 2006.
10 May 2013
Teenagers Sentenced Over Pensioner Manslaughter
Two teenage boys have been sentenced to a total of 12 years for two robberies and the manslaughter of an 85-year-old woman in London. Jiervon Bartlett, 15, was sentenced to six years and Nayed Hoque, 15, - who was 14 at the time - was sentenced to six years at the Old Bailey yesterday.
Teenagers Sentenced Over Pensioner Manslaughter
Two teenage boys have been sentenced to a total of 12 years for two robberies and the manslaughter of an 85-year-old woman in London. Jiervon Bartlett, 15, was sentenced to six years and Nayed Hoque, 15, - who was 14 at the time - was sentenced to six years at the Old Bailey yesterday.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
