Gumtree robber caught after YouTube rap video appearance (From News Shopper)

Gumtree robber caught after YouTube rap video appearance

7:30am Friday 3rd August 2012 in Crime By Mark Chandler

A TEENAGER who attacked two men responding to a fake advert on the Gumtree website was caught after being identified in a YouTube rap video.

Amari Ward, aged 19, of Norbert Road, Brockley, was sentenced to six years in jail at Woolwich Crown Court on July 27 after being convicted of robbery and conspiracy to rob.

The court heard how the victims had arranged to meet a man calling himself Steven on the Turnham Estate shortly before Bonfire night last year after seeing a moped advertised for sale on Gumtree.

They drove to Nash Road and called Steven - who the court heard was Ward using a fake name.

He directed them to a set of garages at Billingsford Road. But when he met them there, Ward said he had forgotten his keys to the garage, and left to get them.

As the victims waited, a group of men dressed in dark clothing carrying a gun and knife turned up, assaulted them and stole their money, watch and phone.

Following the assault, one of the victims remembered seeing a YouTube link on the Gumtree advert and began searching the site for clips of the Turnham Estate.

He came across a video by rapper Ragoe called True Stories, and immediately recognised Ward, who was arrested shortly afterwards.

Detective Constable Kerry Townley of the Lewisham Robbery Squad said: "The victims were incredibly brave in coming forward, attending court and giving evidence in order for us to secure a successful conviction.

"This incident caused them considerable trauma and thanks and acknowledgement must be paid to them for their efforts in ultimately tracing Ward.

"The ingenuity and courage they have shown has ensured he is now behind bars and is not in a position to terrorise anybody else."