Lewis Nedas recently represented a defendant who, along with several others, was involved in a two-month long spree of armed robberies targeting high value targets, including the Dorchester Hotel and the Parmigiani Fleurier watch shop in Mayfair.

Having used mopeds to get to and from the targets, and sledgehammers to gain entry and access to the items to be stolen, the group (varying between four and six men) gained several hundred thousand pounds before they were arrested by the Flying Squad.

At their sentencing before the Kingston Crown Court, which lasted over two days before Judge Hunter, Vice Advocate General, the group were told that this was a sophisticated and well-planned endeavour, targeting high-end venues for maximum return. Whilst violence was not readily used or planned, it was clear that fear was the primary tool in their arsenal.

In mitigation, Rhys Mardon of Lewis Nedas representing one of the defendants, made substantial submissions to the Judge, highlighting the potential sentencing ranges, and personal factors to take into consideration.

The Judge indicated that sentencing in the region of ten years would be the starting point for all defendants, and the co-defendants were made subject to sentences between six and ten years. The client being represented by Mr Mardon was made subject to a custodial sentence of three years.

Please see coverage of the case in the Evening Standard here.