A Croydon man has been jailed for six years for his part in a string of violent robberies across east London and Essex.

Adam Ephraim, 22, of Lennard Road, Croydon, was convicted of robbery and conspiracy to rob offences at Snaresbrook Crown Court yesterday.

Saqib Waheed, 27, of East Ham was sentenced to 14 years in prison along with Waqaas Malik, 28, of Plaistow.

Darian Davis, 34 of no fixed address was sentenced to eight years and four months.

The court heard how the gang targeted cash delivery staff as they collected or dropped of cash at locations throughout east London, Kent and Essex.

Each time the gang would use high levels of violence, hospitalising innocent members of staff on occasions.

The gang used an axe and threats to use firearms to attack and intimidate their victims as they carried out their crimes.

On Monday 2 July 2012, Flying Squad officers arrested Waheed and Davis, whilst they committed a cash in transit robbery on a Loomis delivery at Waitrose, High Road, South Woodford.

Ephraim and Malik were arrested soon afterwards.

Detective Sergeant Tom Smith, who led the investigation, said: "This was a complex investigation spanning a number of months which has resulted in four violent criminals being put behind bars.

“The gang had no qualms in using extensive violence to intimidate their victims as they carried out their robberies.

“Thanks to diligent police work, especially that of DC Matthew Wyatt, these four men are now where they belong - behind bars."

In passing sentence, Her Honor Judge Korner identified Waheed, Malik and Davis as dangerous due to their previous convictions and potential to harm the public.

She also acknowledged the violence used during the robberies was beyond necessary and the physical and psychological effects the robberies had on their victims.

Your Local Guardian:

Darian Davis

 

Your Local Guardian:

Waqaas Malik

 

Your Local Guardian:

Saqib Waheed