Ex-gang member jailed for security van raids (From This Is Local London)

Ex-gang member jailed for security van raids

10:17am Monday 6th February 2012 in Where I Live

A former gang member has been jailed for a string of cash in transit robberies.

Ashley Nevers was the driver in three separate attacks on security vans, twice making off with £20,000 in cash.

The 21-year-old was previously jailed for three years in 2009 as part of a ten-man team, who were part of Mitcham-based gang Terror Zone, who netted almost £1million in a 12-month spree on security vans.

The Old Bailey heard on Friday how Nevers was the driver for three further raids between April 4 and July 25 last year.

The first incident took place in Purley Way, Croydon, on April 4 at about midday when a security guard was collecting £20,000 in a cash box.

He noticed an Addison Lee van and, knowing they are often stolen and used in robberies, was wary.

His worst fears came true as a male ran towards him and punched him twice in the face before making off with the money in the van.

The second incident happened as a security guard was collecting a box containing £25,000 from Lloyd’s bank in West Wickham on April 8.

A hooded male ran up to him and pushed him over, taking the box before an off-duty police officer intervened and accosted the robber.

A scuffle ensued but an Addison Lee taxi pulled up and a man shouted: “Leave it, it’s not worth it” before the male jumped in and the vehicle drove off.

The third robbery saw police monitoring an Addison Lee taxi which was seen suspiciously driving around Croydon, including outside McDonalds and Best Buy before driving off to Carshalton.

It returned outside East Enders in Croydon where a security guard was collecting a box with £20,000 in.

He was punched in the chin and face and let go of the cash box before the attacker got in the cab and drove off.

The police gave chase and after a high speed pursuit the taxi hit a police car and the two suspects fled on foot before “violent struggles” with officers led to their eventual arrests.

Nevers, of Woodmansterne Road, Norbury, pleaded guilty to three counts of robbery and one charge of conspiracy to rob, which lay on file.

Handing down a six and a half year jail term, Judge John Bevan said: “This is a serious crime.

“I would regard this as your last chance to avoid being described as dangerous.

“I hope you will change your ways and grow into a law abiding citizen.”

A 17-year-old from Tulse Hill, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was also charged with robbery and was given a 24-month detention and training order.