Three Convicted Following Violent St Neots Jewellery Shop Robbery

Three men have been convicted for their roles in a violent robbery at a family-run antiques and jewellery shop in St Neots.

The incident took place just after 11am on 23 December 2022 at Emporium, in Fishers Yard. Four masked men armed with hammers, crowbars, and a metal pole forced their way into the shop, reversing a Ford Fiesta to the front door before storming inside.

During the attack, a mother and daughter, aged in their 60s and 40s, were threatened and physically assaulted. Christopher Thomas smashed the counter and threatened the daughter multiple times with a crowbar while she was behind the till, seizing the cash register. Her mother was also threatened, while Albert Smith and another suspect used hammers to break into display cabinets, stealing gold and silver jewellery valued at up to £100,000. John Smith stood guard at the door with a metal pole.

As the suspects fled, the daughter was hit by the getaway vehicle, suffering a broken ankle. The Fiesta was driven dangerously through Market Square, narrowly missing members of the public and damaging street furniture, before being abandoned on Alington Road. Police later recovered stolen jewellery hidden in a tree, and CCTV and other evidence linked three of the men to the crime.

Following a 12-day trial at Huntingdon Law Courts in June, John Smith, 55, of no fixed address, and Christopher Thomas, 45, of Elizabeth Way, Gamlingay, were found guilty of robbery. At Peterborough Crown Court on 22 September, Smith was sentenced to eight years in prison, and Thomas to seven years and six months.

Albert Smith, 24, of Earith Bridge, Earith, was found guilty of robbery, grievous bodily harm with intent, and dangerous driving. His sentencing has been adjourned until 23 October.

Detective Constable Zoe Bramley, who led the investigation, said:

“This was a shocking and violent attack on two women running a much-loved family business. The level of violence was appalling, and the impact on the victims has been devastating. We hope the sentences bring some comfort to the family that justice has been served.”