A pair of violent armed robbers who "terrified" two grocery delivery drivers at gunpoint and described themselves as ‘Mafia’ have been jailed. One of the victims had an imitation firearm pointed in her face before she was threatened with being shot in Stepnall Heights, Boughton, near Ollerton.
She was then dragged from the van and struck several times over the head with the weapon during the robbery. The other victim was also punched to the head before the robbers took two mobile phones and £20 in cash from inside the van.
The two victims were delivering fruit and vegetables around Boughton when they came under attack on December 23, 2021. Keegan Garland, 28, and Jake O’Brien., 26, were identified and arrested by detectives.
Garland, of Manvers View, Boughton, was jailed for 11 years and four months at Nottingham Crown Court on Friday, November 18 after admitting robbery and possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence. O’Brien, of Bentinck Close, Boughton, received a prison sentence of six years.
Garland and O’Brien initially approached the van and engaged one of the drivers in conversation. They then disappeared from view before returning with their faces covered and demanded cash.
One of the offenders also claimed they were part of a ‘Mafia’ who ran the estate. O’Brien was forensically traced from a palm print left on the side of the van.
Detective Constable Louise Foster, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “This was an appalling display of violence by two men who clearly thought they were above the law. They subjected two people who were simply trying to earn a living to a violent and sustained robbery at gunpoint.
“It must have been a terrifying experience for the victims and I am grateful for their help with the investigation. Detectives were able to piece together a complex case against Garland and O’Brien, and I am pleased with the sentence handed down to them.
“Nottinghamshire Police simply won’t tolerate this kind of thuggery and – as this case shows – will go to very great lengths to bring offenders to justice.”
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