Masked Couple Jailed After Horrific Sainsbury’s Knife Robbery
A young Sainsbury’s shop assistant faced a terrifying knife threat during a brutal robbery by a masked couple – now both locked up for the violent crime.
Partners in Crime and Love
Nicoleta Popescu, 19, from Shenstone Gardens, Romford, and her partner Nicon Popescu, 31, of Stanmore Road, Leytonstone, were branded partners in both crime and life at Kingston Crown Court. They were found guilty of aggravated burglary and possessing theft tools after a horrific raid at a Sainsbury’s in Cringle Street, Battersea, on 1 September last year.
“The two of you, with another unknown man, entered the store. The third man blocked the door with a bike while brandishing either a large screwdriver or a crowbar to prevent people from entering or leaving,” said Judge Martyn Barklem.
Knife-Wielding Threat and Duffle Bag Looted
The court heard the pair jumped the kiosk counter, cutting in front of waiting customers. Nicon flashed a knife and threatened a terrified shop assistant, forcing them back. Meanwhile, Nicoleta stuffed a duffle bag with thousands of pounds’ worth of cigarettes and tobacco before the trio fled.
On the Run and Finally Caught
The couple stayed free for nearly two months before police nabbed them in Romford on 24 October. They were found carrying crowbars, bolt cutters, screwdrivers, gloves, and a torch – clear tools of the trade.
At sentencing on 5 March, it emerged Nicon had come to the UK as an economic migrant, but heroin addiction cost him his job, home, and social ties. Judge Barklem revealed Nicoleta had fallen into cannabis and crack cocaine abuse and had become homeless after family estrangement. The pair met while both sleeping rough in a Romford park.
“I’m told you have limited recollection of the events due to drug use, but CCTV shows a keen and agile woman confidently jumping over the counter and filling a duffle bag,” the judge added.
Nicon Popescu was jailed for three years and eight months. Nicoleta Popescu got two years and seven months behind bars.
Judge Barklem slammed the burglary as “cold-blooded” — a terrifying ordeal that undoubtedly traumatised both staff and shoppers.
