A gang of violent robbers who preyed on celebrities and wealthy businesswomen have been jailed for a total of 53 years.

The masked gang used stolen luxury cars with false number plates to prowl around the capital’s wealthiest districts, like Hampstead and Hampstead Garden Suburb, looking for victims. They followed their targets to their doorsteps where they were attacked and robbed.

Banker Elizabeth Kaye, of Temple Fortune Lane in the Suburb, and Jennifer Boschetto, of Heath Drive in Hampstead, were both bundled to the ground and stripped of thousands of pounds worth of jewellery in May last year, Southwark Crown Court heard.

The two victims told how they are still haunted by the memories of the masked muggers pouncing on them as they arrived home.

The gang responsible were also found guilty of attacks on Sir Nigel Rudd, the chairman of airport operator BAA, and his wife in Belgravia. The crooks are also believed to be linked to at least 20 other attacks, including Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone.

Det Supt Neil Thompson, of the London Crime Squad, said: “The gang preyed mostly on lone women as they made their way home and stole an array of items of significant importance and sentimental value. Not only did they steal these items but on a number of occasions they callously attacked their victims on their own doorsteps.

“The gang showed no remorse and disregarded the impact these robberies would have on their victims.”

At Southwark Crown Court last Wednesday (December 12), Ringleader and getaway driver Gulman Gani, 47, of Bentworth Road in White City was jailed for 18 years for committing five robberies and conspiracy to rob.

Nicholas Lewis, 34, of Balgores Lane in Romford, and Shaun Wallace, 30, of Barandon Walk in White City, were convicted of conspiracy to rob and one robbery and jailed for 20 years and 15 years respectively.