Seven teens jailed for 18 years for Brent robberies

Seven teenagers have been sentenced to a total of 18 years in jail for a string of robberies which included ripping gold chains from their victims' necks.

The thugs targeted their victims on buses, the Tube and streets.

All seven were found guilty following a trial for robbery in November. They were sentenced at Harrow Crown Court last Monday.

Brent Police explained how in June last year, two helpless victims were with their friends asleep on a night bus travelling along The North Circular Road when the gang surrounded them.

One ripped a gold chain from the neck of the passenger and then punched him in the face several times. A watch was then ripped from the other victim's arm. Little did they know they had been caught on CCTV.

Two weeks later a mother, walking with her three young children in Brentfield Road, Willesden, was followed by the gang. One of the robbers came up behind her, ripped the gold chain off her neck and ran off.

The youths all committed more robberies on the Tube, which police are investigating.

PC Nick Harvey from Brent Police said: "This is a great result. I am pleased that these dangerous young men are no longer on the streets. These sentences send out a clear message to those who are contemplating committing offences on our borough that the sentences being given to offenders will reflect their actions and that the judicial system will work with the police in ensuring that the full weight of the law will be used."

Isak Mohamed, 18, of Cobbold Road, Willesden, was sentenced to one year imprisonment for robbery.

Abdi Nasir Abdi, 18, of Helpbery Road, was sentenced to three-and a-half-years along with a 17-year-old who was jailed for four-and-a-half years. Four other 17-year-olds were also given a custodial sentence.