Toddler Held at Knife-Point in Shocking Greenwich Robbery
Two men have been found guilty of a terrifying robbery in Greenwich where a toddler was threatened with a knife inside a family home.
Flying Squad Chief Sounds Alarm
Detective Chief Inspector Laura Hillier from the Met’s Flying Squad said: “These were shocking incidents which would have been extremely traumatic for those involved.
“This was an immensely complex investigation which demanded dedication and skill to manage the extensive amount of communication data and evidence. Our officers have worked day and night to achieve this outcome.
“Thanks to the complex investigative work by the Flying Squad, these extremely dangerous men will instead be spending time behind bars.”
Long Sentences for Ruthless Robbers
- Kwesi Caven, 39, of Priolo Road, Greenwich, got 16 years for conspiracy to commit aggravated burglary, conspiracy to commit robbery, and handling stolen goods.
- Elijah McPhee-Young, 25, of Grant Road, Harrow, was jailed for six and a half years for conspiracy to commit robbery and possession of a bladed weapon.
- Lewis Dormer, 38, of Layland Road, Lambeth, pleaded guilty and received seven years and two months for conspiracy to commit robbery.
The trio were sentenced on Friday, 13 October, at the Inner London Crown Court.
How the Crime Unfolded
On 20 August 2020, McPhee-Young and Caven sped in a stolen car on Middle Park Avenue, Mottingham, targeting a security guard carrying cassettes packed with thousands of pounds in cash. McPhee-Young, disguised with a scarf and armed with a large serrated knife, threatened the guard into dropping the loot. The pair sped off before police later recovered the vehicle in Eltham, linking the evidence to McPhee-Young.
Then, on 15 November 2021, Dormer and Caven forced their way into a Greenwich home while the male victim and his three-year-old son were inside. They demanded £10,000 in cash recently withdrawn, threatening the toddler with the chilling words, “If you don’t give me the money, I will cut him up.” The victim was bound with cable ties and only freed when his partner returned home.
Police found a tracker had been planted on the victim’s car a week prior, allowing the gang to monitor his movements closely.
Flying Squad Cracks the Case
Following McPhee-Young’s identification as a suspect, the Flying Squad launched surveillance and telephone investigations that led to Caven. Forensic evidence tied Caven to the tracking device and handling stolen vehicles between May and August 2020. Dormer was linked to the crimes after it was discovered he travelled to and from the Greenwich offences.
All three men were arrested in July 2022 and charged accordingly, bringing down a ruthless trio who terrorised families in their own homes.
