A cold-blooded thief who targeted a jewellery dealer in Margate has been locked up for three years. Julian Martinez, aka Gerado Escobedo Neri and Jason Chezez, pleaded guilty at 1 Crown Court to the brazen robbery.
Shocking Station Road Hold-Up
The daring daylight raid happened on the evening of 25 July 2023. The victim was driving away from Station Road, carrying valuable jewellery linked to their business. Martinez was seen lurking nearby in a Mercedes, tailing the driver closely.
When he couldn’t get inside the car, Martinez smashed a window and snatched a bag from the vehicle. Undeterred, the victim stayed behind the wheel and gave chase.
Good Samaritan Tackles Thief
A local hero soon sprang into action. Spotting the chaos, a passerby bravely wrestled the stolen bag from Martinez and returned it to the shocked driver. The thief fled in his Mercedes—but his freedom wouldn’t last.
Police Hunt Ends in Prison
Kent Police launched a rapid investigation and arrested Martinez on 30 March 2025. The 46-year-old, with no fixed address, admitted the robbery and was sentenced on 2 October.
“Martinez was cold and calculating, following his victim before subjecting them to a frightening ordeal,” said Detective Constable Aimee Gossett. “I’m pleased he has been given a custodial sentence. I hope it offers him the chance to change his ways, and reminds those who would come to Kent to commit crime that we will track them down and bring them before the courts to face justice.”
