Two men jailed for more than 23 years in total after 'terrifying' robbery near Boston involving imitation firearm and pocket knife
Two men who took part in a ‘terrifying’ house robbery near Boston, in which an imitation firearm was pointed at three women – one of whom was seven months pregnant – have been jailed for more than 23 years in total.
Derek Brown, 61, and Kevin Gibbs, 45, were two of four men who travelled to the property from their homes in Norwich.
Lincoln Crown Court was told two of the women were restrained with cable ties after three of the men entered the premises shortly after 1pm on November 30 last year.
The other victim who was not tied up was particularly vulnerable as she was seven months pregnant, the court was told.
Gibbs, who admitted being the getaway driver after travelling from Norwich in a hire car, was jailed for 11 years and three months.
Brown, who denied being the man who produced the imitation firearm, was sentenced to 12 years and nine months’ imprisonment.
The court was told entry was gained to the property after one of the three intruders put on an orange tabard and pretended to be delivering a parcel.
A pocket knife was also produced by one of the intruders who were all wearing black and masked.
All four men escaped with a £10,000 Rolex watch, purse and mobile phone taken during the robbery.
DNA found at the scene linked Brown to the offence and Gibbs was traced from the purchase of the hire car.
Brown, of Kirklees, Norwich, and Gibbs of Sherwell Road, Hellesdon, Norwich, both admitted offences of robbery and possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.
Tom Heath, mitigating for Brown, argued he was under some pressure to go along with the offence and took part despite not being a willing participant.
“He now faces a substantial time in prison at the age of 61,” Mr Heath added.
Jon McNally, mitigating for Gibbs, insisted he remained in the car and was only the driver.
Passing sentence, Judge Simon Hirst told both defendants it was a joint enterprise which caused trauma to the three victims.
“The firearm (imitation) was pointed at each of the three ladies,” Judge Hirst explained.
“They thought they would be shot if you did not get what you wanted.”
Speaking after the case, Det Con Chad Birch, of Lincolnshire Police, said: “This was a particularly terrifying ordeal in which the victims genuinely feared for their lives.
“Such acts of violence and intimidation are completely unacceptable. No one should ever be subjected to such trauma, least of all within the sanctuary of their own home.
“We remain absolutely committed to ensuring that those who commit such offences are brought before the courts and are held fully accountable for their actions.”