Gang jailed for armed robbery spree

12:38pm Monday 8th September 2008

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ARMED robbers who were identified from security camera footage have been sentenced to a total of 12 years in jail.

The trio stole thousands of pounds from betting shops, a bank and an off-licence during their crime spree.

They committed their first robbery in Woolwich New Road, Woolwich, on November 27 last year and then carried out raids in January across the south London area including Forest Hill, Eltham, Catford and Sidcup.

Ahmed Ibrahim, Erhan Erguc and Ozay Osman did not hide their identities during the robberies.

This meant Flying Squad officers were able to identify the trio by comparing the men in the CCTV footage to pictures of people with previous convictions for robbery.

Police also found a betting slip with a handwritten note demanding money in Osman's car.

Ibrahim, aged 39, of Loampit Vale, Lewisham, pleaded guilty to 11 robberies at Inner London Crown Court.

He was sentenced to seven years in prison.

Erguc, aged 44, of Lee High Road, Lewisham, was sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison after being found guilty of five robberies at the same court.

Osman, aged 54, from Peckham, was given an 18-month jail sentence after being found guilty of one robbery.

Detective Sergeant Mario Russo, from Tower Bridge Flying Squad, said: "This was a significant series of offences in a very short period of time.

"Although no one was injured, the effect they have had on those present should not be underestimated.

"Their intention was to cause maximum distress as they would enter the bookmakers with their hands in pockets to intimate they had a gun.

"The judge noted that their actions, in particular those of Ibrahim, had a profound and long-lasting' effect."