CCTV Robber Caught During Crime Spree

An armed robber has been jailed for fourteen years for a convenience store crime-spree one month after a terrifying home-invasion.

Leon Young, 24, targetted shops in Dagenham and Ilford, East London – holding up five stores in January – and netting around £4,000 in cash.

He admitted the robberies and was convicted by a Chelmsford Crown Court jury of an aggravated burglary in Harlow, Essex in December, last year.

Young received eight years imprisonment for the hold-ups, plus another six years for the burglary.

He had been arrested in February by detectives from the Metropolitan Police Flying Squad.

Young threatened shop staff with a handgun and demanded cash and other goods.

Detective Sergeant Scott Chimes of the Flying Squad said: “I would like to thank the victims and witnesses for the courage they displayed in assisting in this protracted investigation.

“Young has never personally showed any remorse for the frightening crimes he committed during December 2011 to January 2012.

“The sentence passed by Recorder Laird QC sends out a clear deterrent message to those considering committing similar offences.

“I would like to assure businesses and the public within London that the Metropolitan Police Flying Squad will continue to seek out and arrest those engaged in such serious crimes and bring them to justice.”