‘Violent’ pair jailed after string of robberies and crowbar attack on security guard in Finchley Road
Michael Brothers and James Dixon, who raided a Poundland store and attacked a security guard with a crowbar, have been jailed. Picture: MET POLICE - Credit: Archant
A pair of ‘violent’ robbers who raided a Poundland store and attacked a security guard with a crowbar have been jailed.
On Friday, June 30 James Patrick Dixon, 33, and an unknown man stole a wad of cash from a security guard as he made a delivery to a branch of Santander Bank in Finchley Road.
Just over a week later – on Saturday, July 8 – Dixon teamed up with Matthew Michael Brothers, 33, to force entry into a Poundland store in Holloway Road.
Armed with a crowbar they threatened staff and stole more than £3,000.
But two days later Dixon and Brothers were caught in the act by Flying Squad detectives after they attempted to steal more than £16,000 from a security guard delivering cash to a Matalan store in Cricklewood Broadway. The pair were arrested at the scene.
DC Colin Anderson and DC Steve O’Connell released a joint statement which said: “Dixon and Brothers showed disregard for the safety of the public in their behaviour and would no doubt have continued to offend if not apprehended. We will continue to pursue those who commit such acts.”
Asst DCI Christina Jessah commented: “I am proud of the work completed by detectives from central north and the flying squad to take two violent criminals off the streets.
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“The sentences reflect the severity of their crimes and I hope they use their time in custody to reflect on their actions,” she added.
The pair were found guilty of robbery and attempted robbery at Blackfriars Crown Court where Dixon also pleaded guilty to a second robbery.
They were sentenced at the same court last Thursday.
Dixon, of Broadway, Knaphill, Woking, was sentenced to an extended sentence of 13 years; a custodial term of eight years, and an extension period of five years, during which time he will be monitored.
Brothers, of Chepstow Road, Paddington, got nine years and eight months imprisonment made up of a prison term of six years and eight months, and an extension period of three years.
