Trio including armed Wembley burglar jailed for raids on bookmakers
Karaylan Suleyman (Picture: Met Police) - Credit: Archant
An armed burglar from Wembley who robbed a series of bookies during a six day spree with two accomplices has been jailed.
Anthony White, Dean Smith and Karaylan Suleyman (Picture: Met Police) - Credit: Archant
Suleyman Karayilan, 41, of Bowater Road, Anthony Wright 38 of Montrose Road, Harrow, and Dean Smith, 22 of no fixed address, were sentenced to 31 years at Harrow Crown Court yesterday.
The trio stole targeted eight bookmakers including Ladbrokes, Coral, Betfred and William Hill in Kingsbury, Preston Road, and Kenton Park Parade and areas within Harrow and Bushey Heath between 22 November and 28 November, the court heard
Karayilan produced a gun and demanded money from the till each time he entered a targeted bookie shop.
On six occasions Smith held the door open to help Karayilan escape while Wright was the ‘getaway driver’ on all eight raids. In total, the gang stole more than £2,000.
Handgun used by Karaylan Suleyman (Picture: Met Police) - Credit: Archant
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They were arrested by Flying Squad officers immediately after they carried out a robbery at Coral in High Road, Bushey Heath. Karayilan was found with a gas powered ‘BB’ gun along with approximately £90 he had stolen minutes earlier.
All three defendants pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery and conspiracy to possess an imitation firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence.
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Karayilan was sentenced to 11 years and four months’ jail, Wright was sentenced to 11 years’ and Smith was sentenced to nine years’ imprisonment.
Acting Det Ch Insp Scott Hartley, of the Met’s Flying Squad, said: “These men were responsible for a series of violent robberies in short space of time.
“A swift investigation by the Flying Squad quickly identified these men.
“As a result of the fact they were arrested in possession of the gun and stolen cash, an overwhelmingly strong case was built against these defendants, leaving them no option to plead guilty.
“The lengthy sentences handed out by the judge reflect the severity of offences involving the use of a firearm.
“I would like to thank all the officers from the Flying Squad involved in this operation who acted with the upmost professionalism to bring this series of armed robberies to a swift conclusion.”
