Mark Cavendish robbery: Third man jailed over knifepoint house raid

Jo Jobson smiled and shrugged at people in the public gallery as he was taken to the cells at Chelmsford Crown Court

A third man has been jailed for his part in a knifepoint robbery at the home of the Olympic cyclist, Mark Cavendish.

Jo Jobson, 27, of no fixed abode, was found guilty of two counts of robbery after the masked raid at the property in Ongar, Essex, on 27 November 2021.

He was handed a 15-year jail sentence at Chelmsford Crown Court on Wednesday.

Two men, Romario Henry and Ali Sesay, were jailed in February and police are still seeking a fourth suspect.

Judge Timothy Walker, sentencing Jobson, described the robbery as "targeted and carefully planned", involving "at least four people, possibly more".

Mr and Mrs Cavendish were at home with their children at the time of the robbery and the judge said the effects on the family had been "dreadful".

Jobson showed no reaction as his sentence was read out. He smiled and shrugged to a small group of supporters in the public gallery as he was led to the cells.

Mr Cavendish did not attend the sentencing.

Mark Cavendish and his wife Peta, pictured two months before the robbery, were in their home at the time of the incident

The gang covered their faces with balaclavas when they broke into Mr Cavendish's family home and stole two Richard Mille watches, worth a combined £700,000, as well as a phone and a Louis Vuitton suitcase.

Prosecutors said Mr Cavendish and wife Peta were in bed with their three-year-old child when they heard "male voices" from downstairs.

Mrs Cavendish recalled how one of the group held a large "Rambo-style" black knife to her husband's throat.

Detectives said they found Mrs Cavendish's mobile phone left outside the home, with Sesay's DNA on it.

Ms Cavendish said the robbers were "very specific" about a watch, before taking her husband's watch from a windowsill

The couple issued a joint statement after the sentencing and said: "It has been harrowing, distressing and heart breaking for our family. Our children.

"To have to keep reliving the events of that horrific night, whilst trying to simultaneously heal from it, is a tough path to tread.

"However, we are incredibly grateful for the hard work of the Essex Police and prosecution team for tirelessly treading it with us to pursue some justice for our family."

They also said the guilty verdict and sentencing offered the family some comfort.

Essex Police are hunting for George Goddard, who is their final suspect

Police are currently on the hunt for their final suspect George Goddard.

But Det Ch Insp Tony Atkin, who has led the investigation, said: "Goddard remains outstanding and we are continuing our efforts to locate him and I would reiterate my message to him; you cannot stay hidden forever; those who may be helping you cannot help you forever.

"It is in your best interests to come forward."

He added: "Jobson's conviction leaves just one final piece of the jigsaw - and that is George Goddard."

A spokesperson from Essex Police added: "Goddard is from Loughton but has connections across east London.

"Anyone with information on Goddard should contact us on 101 and cite 'Operation Chamber'.

"You can also report any information on the men to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or by submitting a report on their website at crimestoppers-uk.org."

Henry, 31, of Bell Green, Lewisham, south-east London, and Sesay, 28, of Rainham, Kent, were sentenced to 15 and 12 years respectively in February.

Henry was convicted following the earlier trial of two counts of robbery. Sesay had pleaded guilty.