A man from Goodmayes has been jailed for six years for threatening drivers at knifepoint before stealing their vehicles.
Richard Flanagan, 27, of Heathfield Park Drive was sentenced for conspiracy to rob and conspiracy to burgle at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Friday, 22 June.
The court heard that a 27-year-old woman had driven to a primary school in Meads Lane, Ilford in September last year and, when she stopped her car, she was approached by two males who threatened her with a knife.
She was robbed of her phone and purse, before they took her white Audi A5 Cabriolet, worth over £20,000.
The following day, a 54-year-old taxi driver was robbed of his takings, phone and black Mercedes C Class worth £15,000 outside his home in Ilford.
He’d been approached by three males who brandished a knife and threatened him. One of the suspects was seen driving a white Audi, thought to be the vehicle stolen the day before.
30 minutes later, a 69-year-old woman was driving home to Rainham when she noticed that there was a car following her.
Having parked her vehicle she was approached by two suspects who stole her brand new BMW 2 series worth £20,000.
A further 20 minutes later, the white Audi was involved in a police pursuit along South End Road heading towards the A13. The car crashed into a central reservation and Flanagan was seen on CCTV.
A few weeks later, a 20-year-old man was approached by two suspects in possession of a knife at the Becontree Health Centre who stole his Fiat 500.
An hour later, Flanagan was seen in the driver’s seat of the Fiat and was recognised by police officers who established that the incidents were linked.
Flanagan was identified via forensic evidence from the recovery of the stolen vehicles. His DNA was found on the steering wheels, gear sticks and inside door handles. He was arrested in December.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Michael Lai of the East Area Command Unit said: “We’re very pleased to have secured this conviction and sentencing for what was a horrible series of offences.
“Flanagan has shown no remorse and elected to have a trial despite the evidence against him.”
During court proceedings Flanagan was also found guilty of conspiracy to burgle. On Wednesday, 13 September a Nissan Note was stolen from Southern Drive in Ilford. When the vehicle was recovered two weeks later, Flanagan’s DNA was found inside.
On Sunday, 15 October an attempted burglary took place in Wellesley Road in Ilford. Flanagan was caught on camera walking up to the front door and attempting to force entry.
Tags: Redbridge, Ilford, Robbery, Goodmayes
