Three Men Sentenced for £1.1 Million Watch Robbery Linked to Manager's Death
Three men have been handed significant prison sentences for their roles in a meticulously planned £1.1 million jewellery shop robbery in south-west London, a crime that had tragic and fatal consequences for the store's manager.
Violent Raid and Subsequent Tragedy
Kyle Mehmet, aged 40, Michael Holmes, 35, and Mannix Pedro, 38, were found guilty of conspiring to rob over 70 high-value watches from 247 Kettles in Richmond on May 25, 2024. During the brazen daylight robbery, the store's 27-year-old manager, Oliver White, was violently restrained—tied up and placed in a headlock by the assailants.
Tragically, less than 24 hours after the traumatic event, Mr. White took his own life. Prosecutors stated that the robbery was a direct contributing factor to his death, highlighting the profound human cost of the crime beyond the substantial financial loss.
Substantial Prison Sentences Imposed
Woolwich Crown Court delivered the sentences on Friday. Mannix Pedro, identified as a key organiser from Woking, received the longest term of 20 years imprisonment. Kyle Mehmet of Rotherham, who physically carried out the robbery alongside another individual, was sentenced to 18 years. Michael Holmes of Sheffield, who acted as a lookout nearby, was given a 13-year sentence.
Detailed Criminal Planning Uncovered
During the trial, jurors heard extensive evidence of the gang's elaborate preparations. Their plan involved stealing a getaway vehicle, obtaining cloned license plates, and arranging a changeover car at a pre-agreed location. To gain access to the store, one of the conspirators contacted 247 Kettles under the false pretence of making a purchase.
In the aftermath of the robbery, a distressed Oliver White attempted to transfer £14,000 from his personal savings to his employers, an act prosecutors linked to the immense pressure and guilt he felt. Described by those who knew him as a trusting individual who "did not see the risk or bad in anyone," Mr. White had shown real enthusiasm for his work.
He confided in his girlfriend that he had been accused by one of the robbers "of not putting up enough of a fight." After making the bank transfer, he ceased all communication. His body was later discovered by a friend in a wooded area.
Prosecution's Statement on the Case
Paul Goddard, from the Crown Prosecution Service, condemned the actions of the convicted men. "The greed of these three men has had considerable, and tragic, consequences," he said. "Not only did the business they targeted suffer the loss of over one million pounds' worth of stock, Oliver White, who was working at the premises, took his own life the following day as a direct result of the robbery. Our thoughts are with Oliver's loved ones for the terrible loss they have suffered."
Goddard detailed the roles: Pedro organised the robbery and helped dispose of the stolen watches. Mehmet executed the theft and restrained Mr. White, while Holmes waited nearby. After the robbery, the trio met and travelled together to Colchester.
"This was a complex and difficult case," Goddard added, "but by carefully putting all of the evidence together, prosecutors were able to build a comprehensive picture of each defendant's involvement and present a compelling case, ultimately leading to their convictions."
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