Mohamed Khan, 22, has been sentenced to 13 years and 10 months in prison for his role in a botched ram-raid at Sunny Jewellers in Newcastle's West End, which caused approximately £100,000 in damage. The incident occurred in March when Khan and his accomplices reversed a van into the shop but were forced to flee empty-handed after the vehicle became stuck on a bollard.
Details of the Ram-Raid
On March 17, Khan left his home address and a car was parked outside the jewellers on Tamworth Road in the Arthurs Hill area. According to prosecutor Andrew Espley, Khan got out and walked off to prevent the area from being blocked. The car remained there until 3:39 pm. Later, a van arrived with two men inside, including Khan. They reversed into the window but got stuck on a bollard, leaving the occupants stranded. They ran off, causing £100,000 worth of damage to the interior and exterior of the family-run business.
Impact on the Victims
In a statement read to Newcastle Crown Court, the shop owner said the ram-raid caused significant stress for his family and left them feeling 'unsafe'. Judge Gavin Doig noted that the victims have been seriously affected, which only increases the serious nature of the spree of offending.
Other Offences
Khan was also involved in a robbery at a Post Office in West Yorkshire and an attempted robbery at a Huddersfield travel agents in the same month. Following the ram-raid, he committed an aggravated burglary at a home in Birmingham, where he stole £30,000 worth of gold. On April 1, Khan barged into a Birmingham home, disarmed a woman who picked up a knife, and threatened her with the weapon before stealing the gold.
Sentencing and Defence
Khan, of Tyneside Foyer, Westgate Road, Newcastle, appeared at Newcastle Crown Court via link from HMP Durham on Friday. He had pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery and aggravated burglary. Defence lawyer Jamie Adams argued that Khan is 'immature' and was likely directed by others, noting that other individuals involved have not been caught. He said Khan comes from a 'devoutly Muslim family' and has struggled with drugs and mental health issues, adding that he 'mourns the loss of trust his family had in him'.
The court was told Khan was subject to two suspended sentences imposed last year at the time of the offending. Judge Doig activated the suspended sentences in part and jailed Khan for a total of 13 years and 10 months.
