A Muswell Hill man who took part in cash-in-transit van robberies was on day release from prison, a court heard.

Ham & High: Lee Smith was jailedLee Smith was jailed (Image: Archant)

Charles Durkin, 25, was part of an eight-strong gang that trawled the streets of London in stolen cars and motorbikes looking for victims.

In total, the gang stole £110,000 from 13 robberies.

In June 2014 they targeted the Luis Vuitton store in Sloane Street.

Today Durkin was jailed for three years and four months after admitting conspiracy to rob.

Ham & High: Sonney Colligan was jailedSonney Colligan was jailed (Image: Archant)

The group attacked and robbed guards, before using angle grinders and sledgehammers to break open cash boxes.

Also convicted were Sonny Colligan and Lee Smith, both 24, and both of Chester Road, Highgate.

Colligan was given a three year sentence, while Smith was jailed for three years and nine months.

Lewis Sokhi, 23, of Hayes Crescent in Golders Green, was given three years and four months behind bars.

Ham & High: Charles Durkin was jailedCharles Durkin was jailed (Image: Archant)

He had been on the run for six months before he was finally arrested last month.

DC David Reed, the investigating officer for the Flying Squad, said: “This organised criminal group carried out a string of brazen robberies on cash in transit security guards.

“In order to evade detection the group committed crimes outside of the London area as far as Bournemouth, using stolen cars and mopeds and constantly changing their mobile phones.

“However, due to the tenacity of the investigating team the gang has been brought to justice after a two year investigation.

“The convictions today highlight the professionalism and detective ability of the Metropolitan Police Flying Squad in combating serious and organised crime in the UK.”

Four gang members, David Kelly, 31, of Moray Road, Islington, Alan Kelly, 22, of Moray Road, Islington, Daryl Salisbury, 26, of Kelvin Road, Islington and Michael Lewis, 27, of Upminster Road South, Rainham, Essex, had been sentenced in January.

David Kelly was jailed for two-and-a-half years, Alan Kelly for one year and nine months, Salisbury for two years and four months and Lewis for two years.