Three men have entered not guilty pleas in connection with a shocking robbery at Heathrow Airport that involved the use of CS spray and left more than twenty people, including a young child, in need of medical attention.
Alleged Attack at Terminal 3 Car Park
The incident, which police have described as a gang-related robbery, took place on December 7 last year within a multi-storey car park serving Terminal 3. According to authorities, two women were targeted immediately after exiting a lift. The assailants allegedly used a noxious CS spray against them before stealing their suitcases—one purple and one white.
The effects of the spray were not contained to the immediate victims. In the confined space, it affected numerous bystanders. Emergency ambulance crews treated a total of 21 people at the scene. Among those requiring assistance was a three-year-old child who had been exposed to the irritating substance.
The Accused and Their Charges
The Crown Prosecution Service has charged three individuals in relation to the event. They are Tyrone Richards, 31, Anton Clarke-Butcher, 24, and Omoneke Whyte, 30. Each man faces a series of serious charges.
They have each been charged with two counts of robbery and two counts of administering a noxious substance. Additionally, all three face one charge of affray relating to the disturbance and fear caused during the incident. The trio appeared in court where they formally denied all allegations against them.
Court Date Set for Summer Trial
CS spray is a synthetic chemical agent used by UK police forces to temporarily incapacitate individuals, producing effects similar to pepper spray. Its use in this alleged robbery significantly escalated the danger and scale of the crime.
The case is now proceeding towards trial. The three defendants are scheduled to next appear at Isleworth Crown Court on June 29, where a trial date is expected to be set. The court will then hear the full evidence against the accused men.
The Metropolitan Police continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the robbery and the sourcing of the CS spray. The attack has raised serious security concerns regarding criminal activity in and around one of the world's busiest international travel hubs.
