Third man jailed after family antiques shop robbed

Albert Smith (left) was sentenced to 12 years in prison, Christopher Thomas (centre) was given seven years and six months, and John Smith (right) was sentenced to eight years

A third man has been jailed after a violent robbery at a family-run antiques and jewellery shop in Cambridgeshire.

Four masked men armed with hammers, crowbars and a metal pole reversed a Ford Fiesta to the front door of Emporium in Fishers Yard, St Neots, before storming inside on 23 December 2022.

Albert Smith, 24, of Earith Bridge, Earith, was sentenced to 12 years in prison at Huntingdon Law Court on Wednesday, after being found guilty of robbery, grievous bodily harm with intent and dangerous driving.

John Smith and Christopher Thomas were previously convicted and sentenced for their roles in the robbery.

The victims, a mother and daughter, were threatened and assaulted during the raid, which led to the eventual closure of the business.

Jewellery worth up to £100,000 was stolen, and the daughter suffered a broken ankle after being struck by the getaway car.

The vehicle was abandoned shortly after on Alington Road, which led to a footpath running parallel with the river.

A police dog later recovered a bag with the stolen jewellery hidden inside a rotten tree, as well as clothing - which combined with CCTV was used to link three of the suspects to the crime scene.

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."