Six men have been sentenced for their part in an attempted robbery at the O2 phone shop in Borough Parade, Chippenham, earlier this year.
The group was stopped in its tracks on 16 March after Wiltshire Police, acting on intelligence about an organised crime group, were waiting at the scene. Officers intervened as the men attempted to carry out the theft.
All six pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal when they appeared in court on 12 June. They were sentenced at Swindon Crown Court on August 14.
- Jason Hunte, 27, of Avondale Drive, Hayes, Hillingdon, two years and two months in prison
- Nusret Arslan, 24, of East Avenue, Hayes, Hillingdon, two years in prison
- Jesse Madika, 24, of Amersham Avenue, Edmonton, Enfield, 14 months suspended for two years and to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work (has already served five months on remand)
- Jaheim Thompson, 23, of no fixed abode, eight months suspended for 18 months
- Billy Gladdish, 28, of no fixed abode, 14 months suspended for two years and 200 hours of unpaid work (has already served five months on remand)
- Tyrike Rasgado, 23, of Deans Lane, Mill Hill, Edgware, eight months suspended for 18 months and 150 hours of unpaid work
Hunte and Arslan were identified as taking leading roles in the offence and received immediate custodial sentences.
Victim impact
The court heard emotional statements from both a customer and a member of staff who were present during the incident.
One customer, who had been signing a phone contract at the time, said:
“From quite happily sitting in the shop … to suddenly men bursting in and running through the shop, a fire alarm going off, and shop staff shouting to get out, I was filled with sudden panic and an overwhelming need to run. I feel angry and upset that these people thought they had the right to put innocent people in danger.”
A sales assistant described lasting trauma:
“Immediately following the incident, I found myself overwhelmed with shock, fear, and anxiety. Since returning to work, I have noticed a significant change in how I interact with customers … constantly assessing whether they may pose a threat. This has made it difficult to relax and carry out my usual duties with confidence.”
Police statement
Detective Constable Jared Yalden, of the Serious Organised Crime Unit, said:
“On the afternoon of March 16, men wearing masks ran into the O2 store in an attempt to commit theft. Wiltshire detectives had been working in collaboration with the Metropolitan Police Service in relation to previous similar offending across the south and were ready to take action.
These men gave no thought for the impact their actions had on their victims. Their determination to target businesses across different counties for their own greed is clear.
We hope this result demonstrates to our community that such offences are investigated thoroughly — and the fact that these offenders are now behind bars should provide some reassurance.”
