Violent Armed Robber Jailed for 12 Years After Posing as Police Officer
Crispin Kent, 46, from Alnwick Road, E16, has been slammed with a 12-year prison sentence for a string of armed robberies and a vehicle theft where he impersonated a police officer. The sentence was handed down at 1 Crown Court on Thursday, 28 September, following Kent’s earlier conviction on three counts of armed robbery and one of vehicle theft.
Brutal Crime Spree Shakes Victims
Detective Constable Craig Prout of the Flying Squad didn’t hold back, calling Kent “a violent individual who thinks nothing of getting what he wants” and condemning the lasting fear he inflicted on innocent victims. “These were people going about their day, and Kent made them fear for their lives,” Prout said.
Key Evidence Snared Kent
- Officers from the Flying Squad and Central East Command Unit tracked down clothing Kent wore during the robberies.
- CCTV caught Kent swapping number plates outside his home.
- DNA and ballistic analysis linked Kent to the crimes through a disguised blank firearm, made to look like a real Beretta self-loading pistol.
The meticulous investigation left no doubt about Kent’s role. The fake firearm underwent specialist examination confirming its lethal disguise.
Justice Served for Victims
Detective Constable Prout summed it up: “It is entirely correct that he spends a significant amount of time behind bars.” Kent’s 12-year sentence reflects the serious nature of his offences and the danger he posed to the community.
