Still hit by gunman in string of armed raids

TWO robbers who pulled off a string of armed raids during a five-day crime spree were locked up on Thursday (7/10)

Steven Brewer and Ben Greig, both 18 at the time, targeted two shops, a bookmakers, a security van and even stole a motorist’s car by brandishing a handgun.

Brewer was sentenced last year at Basildon Crown Court to four years and two months behind bars for the car-jacking in East Horndon near Brentwood, Essex.

Greig received two years and six months’ custody at the Basildon courthouse for the same November 5 2008 offence.

At Snaresbrook Crown Court yesterday, Brewer and Greig were handed additional two-year and one-year sentences respectively after admitting a series of armed heists.

Judge Tudor Owen - who watched a “terrifying” security camera recording from Coral bookmakers in Barking - ordered the terms be consecutive to the pair’s current sentences.

“I have viewed the CCTV footage,” said Judge Owen.

“The first thing that struck me was the size of the gun.

“The terror frankly that it caused was obvious.

“You can see the staff and see that they were frightened.”

Brewer, now aged 20, of Devonshire Road, Custom House, and Greig, also 20, of Eclipse Road, Canning Town, both admitted conspiracy to rob.

Brewer further admitted conspiracy to have with him an imitation firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence, namely robbery.