Four young smash-and-grab robbers armed with sledgehammers, who snatched £155,000 worth of Rolex and Longines watches from a jewellery shop, have been locked-up.
Have-a-go-heroes detained a member of the gang as shocked shoppers filmed events on their mobile phones during the daring daylight raid in exclusive High Street, Kensington.
All four pleaded guilty at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court to robbing Ernest Jones Jewellers on October 14, last year.
They are: Alfie Atherton, 18, (pic.l.) of Saxon Lea Court, Saxon Road, Bow, East London, who received four years.
Charles Knight, 20, (pic.2nd l.) of Crowland Road, South Tottenham, North London, who received eight years.
Dominic Charles, 22, (pic.3rd l.) of Girdlestone Walk, Upper Holloway, North London, who received seven-and-a-half years.
Emilio Aristides, 21, (pic.r.) of Camden Road, Camden, North London, who received seven-and-a-half years.
They were members of a six-strong gang clad in dark clothing and full-visor crash helmets who pulled-up outside the busy store on three high-powered sports motorbikes at 10:40am.
Two pillion passengers got off the bikes with their weapons and started smashing through glass display cabinets.
They stole twenty-six watches and stuffed them into holdalls.
Meanwhile, the three riders circled their bikes outside the shop, revving their engines in order to intimidate the public and stop traffic.
Charles stayed outside the shop, waving his sledgehammer around to threaten and intimidate passers-by into staying back, but was forced to drop the weapon by a member of the public.
As the robbers tried to flee Aristides was pulled off his bike and detained by passers-by until arrested by police.
The remaining defendants were caught in nearby Holland Park and two unknown accomplices successfully escaped.
Detective Superintendent John O'Leary, of the Metropolitan Police’s Flying Squad, said: “I would like to express my gratitude for the bravery of the members of the public who intervened.
“Their actions and those of local officers from Kensington & Chelsea have led directly to this active, criminal gang being convicted today.
“Whilst we would always urge people not to put themselves in danger, I can only applaud the actions of those who intervened whether directly or by filming events.”
Detective Inspector Jason Prins, in charge of the investigation said: “This was a violent robbery in broad daylight in one of London's busiest shopping streets and the events must have been terrifying for the employees and members of the public who witnessed it.
“I would like to pay tribute to the onlookers who intervened - in particular those who pulled Emilio Aristides off his motorbike and detained him until the arrival of police officers.
“We also give thanks to those who filmed the incident on their mobile phones.
“This video footage became crucial evidence and contributed greatly to guilty pleas from all four defendants.
“Today’s sentences send out a strong message that this type of criminal behaviour will not be tolerated and that the public and the police can work together against criminals.
“There are two suspects who are outstanding and we continue to appeal to anyone with any information to contact Barnes Flying Squad on 020 8247 4804 or if you wish to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Atherton was sentenced to an additional four years imprisonment for robbing a security van at Muswell Hill Broadway, North London on August 5, last year.
All 26 watches were covered in good condition.
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