Knife-Wielding Amusement Centre Robber Jailed for Seven Years
A Dagenham man has been locked up for seven years after a violent robbery at a Gillingham amusement centre.
Robbery Shocker on Gillingham High Street
Florjan Lleshi, 28, from Ager Avenue, Dagenham, appeared at Maidstone Crown Court on 7 May 2020. He pleaded guilty to robbery and possessing a knife in public following the daylight raid on 16 February.
At around 10.50am, Lleshi entered the amusement centre, played on a slot machine, then threatened two staff with a knife before making off with £1,000.
Crime Spree Across Kent
Police caught Lleshi just two days later. But that wasn’t his only offence. He was also charged with two other knife-point robberies at amusement centres in Romford and Welling on 7 and 31 July 2019.
On those occasions, he threatened victims with knives and stole roughly £10,500 in total, fuelling fear across the region.
Officer Speaks Out on Fear Caused
“Lleshi’s sentence reflects the terror he inflicted on people inside the amusement centres,” said PC Rebecca Howlett of the Chief Constable’s Crime Squad. “He showed no regard for his victims, acting solely to fund his gambling addiction.”
“I’m pleased he’s been handed this sentence, putting an end to his reign of fear.”
