Masked Gang Jailed Over Brutal Mayfair E-Bike Robbery
A ruthless gang who terrorised a man in Mayfair have been locked up for a combined 38 years. The four attackers pleaded guilty to a violent robbery at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Friday, February 4, and were sentenced six weeks later on March 18.
Sentence Breakdown and E-Bike Ban
- Alan Kelly, 27, of Moray Road, Islington: 10 years 9 months
- David Kelly, 37, currently at HMP Highdown, Surrey: 9 years 8 months
- Corrie Moroney, 29, of Highbury New Park, Islington: 9 years
- Lewis Sokhi, 28, of Englefield Road, Islington: 9 years
Judge Philip Brook Smith QC slapped all four with Serious Crime Prevention Orders (SCPOs) banning them from using e-bicycles post-release — the very vehicles used in their crime spree.
Flying Squad Crack Down on E-Bike Thugs
Detective Constable David Reed praised his team’s “high level of professionalism” which led to the group’s conviction. He said,
“Targeting violent crime is the absolute top priority for everyone in the Met, so I am very pleased to see these sentences and SCPOs handed down today. We’re determined to do everything we can to keep the public safe by disrupting and deterring high harm offenders.
“The results today are a clear warning to anyone else involved in such crimes that whatever tactics you use, the MPS will investigate you, we will find you, and we’ll do everything in our power to make sure you go to prison.”
Savage Attack Caught on CCTV
The terrifying assault unfolded just after 7:30pm on November 21, 2020. The victim, a man in his 20s, was leaving a hotel on Stratton Street, Mayfair, when the gang zoomed in on their e-bikes.
One thug launched the vicious attack. The others piled in, knocking the victim to the ground and raining punches and kicks. A ‘Rambo knife’ was brandished, causing further terror.
The gang robbed the man of a £25,000 Rolex watch and two diamond rings worth £9,000 each before fleeing. Hotel security tried to intervene but the suspects sped away on their bikes. Police conducted a search but initially came up empty.
In-Depth Police Work Cracks the Case
The Flying Squad took over the frantic investigation during the height of the pandemic. Despite face coverings, officers used CCTV, intelligence, and mobile phone data to unmask the crooks.
Footage revealed the gang together at the Kelly brothers’ Islington home before setting off on their crime run. They scouted Brompton Road near Harrods before launching their assault in Mayfair.
Alan Kelly was identified as the knife-wielding ringleader. All but one were arrested by April 2021 and charged. Alan also pleaded guilty to conspiring to throw a prohibited article into HMP Pentonville after being caught tossing something into the prison. Moroney’s similar charge was dropped.
DC Reed added: “This was a truly horrible experience for the victim who was just going about his evening when he was attacked. He no doubt feared for his life. I’d like to thank him for supporting us through the investigation and judicial process.”
