Stolen phone catches trio after raid at fishmongers
Bungling robbers who thought they had got away with the perfect hold-up after terrifying staff at a fish shop were brought down by a phone they stole.
A masked gang targeted Cranbrook Fishmongers at Hartley Farm Centre. While two burst in, one remained on look-out.
Sammy Kingwell, Anthony Allen and Ricky White, left in a Mercedes A class getaway car.
But a judge heard after they took an iPhone, police used its tracking device and were led straight to them.
Police seized CCTV showing three figures at the site in Hartley Road immediately before and after the robbery.
Prosecutor Peter Forbes said the gang drove to Kingwell’s house, not realising a police helicopter was following them.
He said: “Realising police were onto them, they attempted to dispose of the money and two of the men tried to hide in the garden shed – including White who was topless as he attempted to disassociate himself from any distinctive clothing.” Mr Forbes told Canterbury Crown Court how on April 14, James Lyons and his daughter Kelly Krzykowska were at the fishmongers. “They were preparing fish ready for delivery to restaurants in London. The lights were on in the glass fronted shop. It was pitch black outside. Suddenly, shortly before 3am, a lump of concrete smashed through the front door and a man wearing a balaclava and wielding a claw hammer came in, bundling James Lyons to the ground.”
Mr Lyons was told to stay down. He told his daughter to comply and she handed over an envelope with £1,000 in cash. Mr Lyons’ phone was smashed and he was told not to call the police.
But the prosecutor said the robbers took Ms Krzkowska’s iphone – which had the tracker.
The court heard her bank card was taken and used to with- draw £250 in cash. The three had also earlier burgled a house in Benenden taking a handbag, cards, camera, radio and cash.
Kingwell, 31, of Adams Drive, Willesborough, was given sentences totalling 10 and a half years. Allen, 37, of Badlesmere Close, Stanhope, seven years and Ricky White, 29, of Downsway, Charing, six years
White’s sentence included the robbery and fraud, which he had admitted. Allen admitted burglary, robbery and fraud and Kingwell’s sentence included his admission of similar offences, possessing cannabis and two burglaries in Ashford.