Armed jewellery robbers locked up for ten years

Two men who a robbed a Hull jewellery store whilst threatening staff with a machete have been sentenced to a combined total of ten years and eight months in prison.

Jamie Bailey, aged 37 of no fixed abode and Phillip Matthews, aged 42 of Newland Avenue, Hull, appeared at Hull Crown Court on Friday 25 November and entered guilty pleas to the robbery.

Peering through the store window on Thursday 6 October at around 10:00am the two men scouted out Pledge Jewellers, Newland Avenue, planning their attack, eying up items of interest.

At 10.50am the duo returned, burst into the shop, threatening and terrifying staff with a ten-inch machete whilst demanding cash and jewellery.

They then jumped over the counter further threatening staff to open the safe before fleeing with various items of valuable jewellery and £800 in cash.

After officers initially attended the scene, eagle eyed detectives reviewed CCTV and quite quickly identified the two men within minutes of them attending which led to their prompt arrest.

Detective Sergeant Andy Bradley leading the investigation said: “This was a reckless attack on an innocent independent business, who like most members of our communities, work hard to earn a living.

“Whilst nobody was physically injured as a result of this incident, I cannot begin to imagine the emotional and psychological impact this has left. The bravery displayed by the staff throughout the entirety of our investigation has been incredible.

“I hope the sentence will provide them with some comfort in knowing that both men are being punished for their actions. Crimes like this will not be tolerated and we will continue to take proactive action in a bid to deter these criminals from committing crime in our local communities.”

If you have any information about crime in your area, please report it via our non-emergency 101 line or by speaking to local officers whilst they are out and about. Always call 999 in an emergency or if there is a crime ongoing.

If you would prefer to report information anonymously you can do so via the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.