A
violent knife-wielding robber, who targetted seven stores on the edge
of East London during a fifteen-day crime blitz, has been locked up
for at least twelve years.
Ian
Edwards, 45, (pic.top) picked on soft targets and was helped by his
look-out and getaway driver Kenneth Westfield, 37, (pic.bottom), of
Chantry Way, Rainham, who received six years.
Investigating
officer Detective Constable Fareed Mirza, from The Flying Squad said:
"Edwards and Westfield were engaged in a spate of violent
robberies that impacted on local businesses and instilled a real
sense of fear amongst members of the local community.
"Edwards
is a violent career criminal. He showed no remorse and disregarded
the impact his actions would have on the lives of his victims and
their businesses.
“The
conviction of these two men reaffirms the commitment of the Flying
Squad to bring to justice men of violence and improve the safety in
which businesses operate."
Detective
Chief Inspector Ian Corner said: "This is an excellent example
of work carried out by the Flying Squad in partnership with local
borough officers, where linked cross border knife robberies at
commercial premises was investigated.
“Officers
from the Flying Squad supported the local investigation by bringing
about the arrest and conviction of both suspects, ending an episode
of violent offending."
The
offences began on 23 April 2012 at 13.35hrs at Gayatri Newsagent, Broadway,
Rainham.
Edwards
went inside and approached the counter where the elderly female
victim, a frail lady in her 70s, was working alone.
He
forced his way behind the counter and grabbed hold of the victim
around her wrist. He twisted her arm and dragged her violently across
the floor while demanding she open the safe.
A
customer entered the premises and Edwards told him to leave,
threatening to stab the victim if he didn't.
As
the victim screamed in fear the suspect produced a large kitchen
knife with a blade of between eight and 12 inches, brandished it at
her and made demands for money from the till. He stole about £400
before making off.
DC
Mirza said: "This was a particularly horrific robbery. There was
no need for Edwards to use such excessive force on such a vulnerable
victim.
“She
suffered injuries to her arm, neck and back and was so traumatised by
the robbery that she has never returned to work.
"Since
the death of her husband, working in the shop gave her an opportunity
to leave her house and interact with people. Sadly, following this
robbery, she has become withdrawn and now seldom leaves her home."
On
30 April 2012, at 17:15hrs at Britcrown Pharmacy, Upminster Road,
Hornchurch
Edwards approached the female victim working at the
counter.
He
pulled out a large knife and started shouting at her and the
pharmacist, demanding money and threatening to stab them if they did
not comply.
He
stole money from the cash register and threatened to stab the victims
if they followed him out of the shop.
Again,
the threat of violence put the cashier in fear for her safety and
left her shocked and distressed.
On
1st May 2012 at 18.29hrs at Lloyds Pharmacy, Tadworth Parade,
Hornchurch Edwards forced his way behind the counter where the victim
was serving.
He
pulled out a large kitchen knife from his jacket and brandished it at
the victim, demanding she open the till.
Terrified,
she did as he asked. Edwards then complained there was not enough
money in the till and threatened to stab her unless she opened the
safe.
He then left, warning the victim not to follow him, saying
that he would stab her if she did.
On
3 May 2012 at 19:55hrs at Tesco, Bridge Road, Rainham
Edwards
approached the tills and asked to speak to the manager.
The
victim told him he was the duty manager at which point Edwards pulled
out a knife from his jacket and pushed it against the victim's throat
with such force that it left a bruise.
He
threatened to kill the victim unless he opened up the till. He
committed this robbery whilst the shop was trading with numerous
other members of staff and public in the premises. The level of
violence used left the victim shocked and traumatised.
On
6 May 2012 at 14:26hrs at Premier Stop Once Express, Suttons Lane,
Hornchurch Edwards forced his way behind the counter where the victim
was serving.
He
produced a large kitchen knife and brandished it at the victim
demanding that he open the till.
Edwards
emptied the till of its contents and threatened to stab the victim if
he followed him out of the shop. Kenneth Westfield was parked nearby
as look-out and get-away driver.
On
7 May 2012 at 21.35 at Hainault Food & Wine, New North Road,
Ilford
Edwards went inside and engaged in conversation with a
cashier.
When
the last remaining customer left the premises Edwards suddenly forced
his way behind the counter and pulled out a large kitchen knife.
He
started shouting at the staff and brandished the knife.
Other
staff members heard the disturbance and ran out from a back room.
A
struggle then ensued during which Edwards cut his hand and dropped
the knife he had brought into the shop. It is believed he ran into a
getaway car parked nearby.
On
8 May 2012 at 18.01hrs at Bows Chemist, Upminster Road North, Rainham
Edwards forced his way behind the counter and into the dispensary.
He
threatened the pharmacist with a large knife and demanded that the
till be opened.
The
victim was shaking and struggled to open the till; Edwards told him
he had five seconds before he would get hurt.
When
the till was opened, Edwards emptied the contents of the cash drawer
into a carrier bag and fled. He ran into a waiting getaway car driven
by Westfield.
The
Flying Squad launched an operation to tackle the series of robberies
and arrested Westfield on 8 May and Edwards two days later in
Dagenham Heathway.
A Swansea woman, involved in an
ugly incident during a trip to the capital last summer, has been
fined and ordered to pay compensation to her victim.
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