Charlton men jailed for a total of 16 years for south east London armed robberies

Karlington Appleby, aged 33, and Venrese Hanshaw, aged 39, both of Tamar Street, Charlton, committed the robberies over a seven week period between September and October last year.

The robberies took place across Greenwich, Lewisham and Southwark.

Appleby was given a ten year sentence and Hanshaw received a six year sentence at the Old Bailey on Friday (April 8).

The Flying Squad at Tower Bridge initiated a proactive operation to track the suspects, code named Operation Lapras, in response to the attacks which were mostly on small convenience stores.

On each occasion Appleby and Hanshaw would enter the shop and produce a handgun and threaten the victims until they gave them the cash.

On October 29, Appleby and Hanshaw were seen by officers travelling to Peckham in an Audi A3 car. The suspects were seen to be watching the Ivydale Mini Mart in Ivydale Road, Peckham.

Once the suspects had decided the premises were suitable to attack, Appleby left the car and entered the shop, taking out the gun and robbing the staff.

He ran out of the shop carrying the cash till tray which contained approximately £100 and gave it to his accomplice Hanshaw who was waiting in the car.

At this point detectives intervened and arrested both men. They discovered that the gun was fully loaded with two 9mm cartridges although officers later discovered that the gun was not capable of being fired.

Both men pleaded guilty to conspiracy to rob and possession of a firearm on February 14 at the Old Bailey.

Detective Inspector Neil Williams from Tower Bridge Flying Squad said: "These men entered the shops with a loaded firearm with every intention of using violence and intimidation.

"This proactive operation is a great example of the success of the Flying Squad to help keep Londoners safe. These men are criminals who target small businesses like convenience stores for quick financial gain with no consideration as to the trauma they cause the victims."