Men jailed for robbery at family antiques shop

John Smith (left) was sentenced to eight years in prison and Christopher Thomas (right) was given seven years and six months. The sentencing of a third man, Albert Smith, was adjourned until 23 October

Three men have been convicted for their part in a "violent" robbery at an antiques and jewellery shop.

Emporium, at Fishers Yard in St Neots, Cambridgeshire, was targeted by four masked men with hammers, crowbars and a metal pole, just after 11:00 GMT on 23 December 2022.

The victims, a mother and daughter in their 60s and 40s, were subjected to a "terrifying ordeal" that led the family-run business to close, Cambridgeshire Police said.

After a 12-day trial at Huntingdon Law Courts in June, John Smith, 55, of no fixed address, and Christopher Thomas, 45, of Elizabeth Way in Gamlingay, were found guilty of robbery.

Jewellery worth up to £100,000 was taken from the business, which has since closed down

During the robbery, Christopher Thomas smashed the counter and threatened the daughter with a crowbar before the cash register was ripped from her grip.

Her mother was also threatened.

Albert Smith, 24, of Earith Bridge in Earith, and another man used hammers to break into display cabinets, and steal gold and silver jewellery worth up to £100,000.

John Smith stood guard at the door with a metal pole, the trial heard.

When the men fled, the daughter was hit by the car and suffered a broken ankle.

'Shocking and violent'

The Fiesta was then driven dangerously through the Market Square, damaging street furniture and narrowly missing members of the public, police added.

The car was abandoned on Alington Road which led to a footpath running parallel with the river.

A police dog later found a bag of the stolen jewellery in a rotten tree as well as clothing used to link three of the suspects to the crime scene.

At Peterborough Crown Court on 22 September, John Smith was sentenced to eight years in prison - and Thomas to seven years and six months.

Albert Smith was found guilty of robbery, grievous bodily harm with intent, and dangerous driving.

His sentencing was adjourned until 23 October.

Det Con Zoe Bramley said: "This was a shocking and violent attack on two women who were simply going about their day running a much-loved family business.

"The level of violence used was appalling, and the impact on the victims has been devastating, ultimately leading to the closure of the business.

"We hope the sentences served bring some comfort to the family that justice has been served."