A 20-year-old man has been sentenced to six years in prison following two knifepoint robberies in Epsom and Ewell late last year.
Anthony Akinniranye, of Manor Green Road, Epsom, pleaded guilty to both incidents, which occurred just days after Christmas in December 2023.
Details of the Robberies
On December 27, Akinniranye entered a shop on East Street, Epsom, wearing a mask and brandishing a machete. He threatened the shopworker, demanding cash from the till as well as cigarettes and vapes. Akinniranye fled the scene but left behind a trail of items, including coins, packets of cigarettes, and the till insert, which was later linked to him through DNA evidence. CCTV footage also captured him holding the insert during the robbery.
The very next evening, December 28, Akinniranye struck again at a shop on Kingston Road, Ewell. The circumstances were almost identical, with the masked offender threatening staff and demanding cash and cigarettes while wielding a machete.
CCTV from the Kingston Road shop revealed Akinniranye had entered the premises the night before the robbery, wearing the same clothing he had worn during the East Street incident. Within 24 hours of the second robbery, he had stolen more than £1,000 in cash.
Police Investigation and Sentencing
A combination of forensic evidence and CCTV footage led police to identify Akinniranye as the suspect. He was arrested and charged with two counts of robbery. On October 30, he was sentenced to six years in prison at Chichester Crown Court.
Police Statement
Detective Constable Sarah Kinkade of East Surrey CID praised the efforts of the investigation team, saying:
“Akinniranye showed a complete disregard for the financial impact his actions would have on the businesses he stole from, as well as the traumatising experience the staff members endured when he threatened them with a potentially lethal weapon.
“Thankfully, due to his carelessness when fleeing the scene, we were able to link his DNA to a discarded item from one of the stores. I hope this outcome serves as a message to victims and perpetrators – these crimes will never be tolerated, and we will pursue all lines of enquiry to bring offenders to justice.”
Impact on the Community
The robberies caused significant distress to the businesses and their employees. Local shopworkers expressed relief at the resolution of the case and hope that the sentencing will deter similar crimes in the future.
This case highlights the importance of forensic evidence and diligent investigation in ensuring justice for victims and accountability for offenders.
