Brothers in Crime Get Seven Years For Tunsgate Jewellery Robbery

Published on: 26 Apr, 2013
Updated on: 26 Apr, 2013

Brothers in Crime: James Roberts and John Saunders

Two brothers have each been sentenced to seven years and four months imprisonment at Guildford Crown Court yesterday (Thursday, April 25) for an armed raid at a jewellery store in which more than £350,000 worth of jewellery was stolen.

James Roberts, 49, from West Golds Way, Newton Abbot, Devon and John Saunders, 51, of Budge Lane, Mitcham had previously pleaded guilty to robbery and possession of an imitation firearm at the Cry for the Moon shop in Tunsgate, Guildford on Friday, August 10, 2012.

The Cry for the Moon jewellers in Tunsgate, Guildford.

Detective Constable Paul Harris of Guildford CID which led the investigation called, Operation Isoceles, said the sentencing reflects the severity of the crime and will keep two dangerous offenders off the streets.

He said: “Roberts and Saunders have each got a history of armed robberies and have served lengthy terms in prison before now which has clearly not deterred them from their pattern of violent offending. The robbery at the jewellery shop last summer, with its extreme threat of violence, caused staff to be terrified and to suffer trauma for some considerable length of time after the incident.

CCTV still of the robbery in progress.

“None of the jewellery or the firearm has ever been found, but it is due to the brave actions of one employee who gave chase and managed to identify the get away vehicle, that these criminals were located and are going to behind bars for a long time. Surrey Police will not tolerate such violence in its communities and will continue to work to bring such offenders to justice.”

Samantha Weston, 43-years old, who was also tried in connection with this incident, was found not guilty of robbery and possession of a firearm at an earlier hearing at Guildford Crown Court on March 22. She remains in custody in relation to money laundering matters of which she has pleaded guilty. Sentencing is due April 25/26 at Guildford Crown Court.