Armed robbers jailed for ten years after ‘terrifying’ raid on jewellers

By Simon Bristow

Two men who robbed a Hull jewellery store while threatening staff with a machete have been sentenced to a combined total of ten years and eight months in prison.

Jamie Bailey, 37, of no fixed abode, above left, and Phillip Matthews, right, 42, of Newland Avenue, west Hull, both admitted robbery robbery when they appeared at Hull Crown Court.

They had scouted the store on Newland Avenue by peering through the window at about 10am on October 6. The pair returned 50 minutes later and burst into the shop, “terrifying” staff with a ten-inch machete while demanding jewellery and cash.

They then jumped over the counter further threatening staff to open the safe before fleeing with various items of valuable jewellery and £800 cash.

After officers attended the scene, eagle-eyed detectives reviewed CCTV and quite quickly identified the two men within minutes of them attending, leading to their prompt arrest.

Humberside Police Detective Sergeant Andy Bradley, who led the investigation, said: “This was a reckless attack on an innocent independent business, who like most members of our communities, work hard to earn a living.

“Whilst nobody was physically injured as a result of this incident, I cannot begin to imagine the emotional and psychological impact this has left. The bravery displayed by the staff throughout the entirety of our investigation has been incredible.

“I hope the sentence will provide them with some comfort in knowing that both men are being punished for their actions. Crimes like this will not be tolerated and we will continue to take proactive action in a bid to deter these criminals from committing crime in our local communities.”

Bailey and Matthews each received sentences of five years and four months.