Armed robber who threatened to kill jailed

An armed robber who targeted businesses with an imitation firearm and a knife has been jailed.

Karl Kaynar threatened two premises in Swanley within the space of 12 hours and told staff he would throw acid in their face.

On 23 March 2024, Kaynar stole £400 from a Domino's Pizza while armed with an imitation firearm. The following day, he threatened employees at an Asda petrol station with a knife and a broken paving slab.

At Maidstone Crown Court on Wednesday, the 42-year-old was sentenced to nine years and four months' imprisonment.

Karl Kaynar used a broken slab and an imitation handgun as part of his attacks

Kaynar was arrested by Kent Police on the same day he robbed the Asda.

Police recovered a handgun used by him close to the crime scene, as well as a bag he carried and a knife from an address he was linked to in Swanley.

Kaynar, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to two counts of robbery, possession of an imitation firearm and possession of a knife in a public place.

Police added that he also admitted additional theft and drug offences, as well as a further armed robbery, which was investigated by the Metropolitan Police and determined by the court as the most serious offence.

Karl Kaynar threatened two businesses in Swanley within the space of 12 hours

Additionally, he will also serve a further 86 days after breaching a suspended sentence and on his release from prison will be subject to an additional licence period of four years.

Det Con Rosie Acton said: "Kaynar's actions left his victims in genuine fear for their lives.

"The gun he used may not have been a genuine firearm; however, it certainly looked very real.

"There is little doubt that had Kaynar not been quickly identified and arrested, he would have gone on to target further victims."