Hammer-Wielding Robber Jailed for Six Years After Terrorising Shops in Kent
A ruthless armed robber who terrorised shops in Chatham and Whitstable with a claw hammer has been locked up for six years. Charlie Elliot, 35, homeless at the time, was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday 25 May 2018.
Three Robberies in Ten Days
Elliot pleaded guilty to three counts of robbery and two counts of possessing an offensive weapon. His crime spree began on Sunday 15 April around 10pm at a convenience store on Watling Street, Chatham. Wearing dark clothing, white gloves, and a balaclava, he leapt over the counter swinging his claw hammer and stole cash from the till.
His second robbery came just over a week later, on Tuesday 24 April at 11pm, when Elliot struck a shop in Churchill Avenue, Chatham. This time, he covered his face with a scarf and threatened the terrified shopkeeper before fleeing with several hundred pounds.
Violent Showdown and Arrest
The very next night, Wednesday 25 April, Elliot hit a third store on Canterbury Road, Whitstable around 10pm, wearing the same outfit. A brave customer tried to stop him and was struck across the back with the hammer, but together with another man, they wrestled Elliot out of the shop. He was held until Kent Police arrived to arrest him.
Dangerous Criminal Finally Behind Bars
Police seized the hammer and, after reviewing CCTV, linked Elliot to all three robberies. Detective Constable Kerry Whiting said:
“Elliot has shown he is a dangerous man who will put lives at risk without a second thought. This was a very frightening ordeal for his victims and we are extremely grateful to the two men who put themselves in danger to restrain him. Thankfully his actions did not result in serious injuries, however these violent crimes can have a lasting impact on victims and no one should suffer at the hands of thieves like Elliot. He will now serve time in prison where he can no longer pose a threat to the public.”
