Two Southampton crooks hit with hefty jail terms over £30k Sainsbury’s robbery
Samie Bellows, 28, and Xavier Whyte, 29, both Southampton locals, have been locked up for a total of 14 years after a brazen cash-in-transit robbery at Sainsbury’s Bitterne precinct back in December 2015.
High-speed snatch and dash
The pair used a stolen BMW with false plates to stake out the supermarket car park. When a cash delivery driver arrived and collected £30,000, Bellows, dressed all in black and trying to hide his face, ambushed him. He chased down the driver, grabbed the cash box, and jumped into the getaway car where Whyte was revving to escape.
They sped off, leaving the driver shaken but unharmed. Police were alerted moments later.
Forensics and CCTV lead to arrest
The empty cash box was later found near Bellows’ home, but the cash vanished without a trace. After extensive CCTV reviews, forensic tests, and mobile phone tracking, cops zeroed in on the duo.
Bellows was arrested in early 2016, with Whyte following in March. Both were released on bail but kept mum during police interviews. They eventually pled guilty to conspiracy to rob at Southampton Crown Court on June 27, 2017.
Sentenced today: Bellows gets 7½ years, Whyte 6½ years
Southampton Crown Court handed down the sentences today (July 18). Bellows was jailed for seven and a half years, while Whyte was locked up for six and a half.
“Bellows and Whyte pleaded guilty to their involvement in significant criminality, committing a crime that was not just a business crime, but a personal one too,” said Detective Sergeant Will Whale.
“Both men were forensically aware in the preparation and execution of this crime. It took a dedicated team of detectives to bring them to justice. I commend the bravery of the delivery driver who was traumatised after the attack, the support of the security company, and the tireless work of the investigators who uncovered the truth.”
