Extradited Man Jailed For Armed Robbery

A man extradited back to the United Kingdom to face charges over an armed robbery committed in 2005 has been jailed on Tuesday.

Mohamed Hassan, 24, of no fixed abode, was sentenced at Wood Green Crown Court to eight years imprisonment.

For the count of robbery he received five years' imprisonment, while for possession of a firearm with intent to commit robbery he received six years' imprisonment. For a count of possession of crack cocaine with intent to supply he received two years' imprisonment - to run consecutively.

His Honour Judge Morrison said Hassan would have received 14 years' imprisonment had he not pleaded at the earliest opportunity and provided evidence that he had turned his life around since committing the offences.

DC Siân Newell from the Metropolitan Police Service's Finchley Flying Squad said: "Mohamed Hassan was involved in a particularly harrowing robbery. Two shots were fired by an accomplice and it was only luck that prevented anyone from being hurt. I hope this sentence illustrates that wherever a suspect flees and no matter what time has elapsed, the Flying Squad will pursue and ensure that suspects are put before the courts".

Police said that on 22 April 2005 officers were called at approximately 9.30pm to reports of a robbery at Wineways off-licence in Holmstall Parade, Burnt Oak.

Three suspects had entered the premises and one of them, who was holding a gun, demanded money from a member of staff.

One suspect kept watch at the door, whilst another started taking money from the till and champagne from the shelves.

On hearing the disturbance, a female employee came from the storeroom of the shop and pushed one of the suspects away from the champagne. A shot was fired but no one was injured.

As the suspects turned to leave the shop, the gunman pointed the firearm in the direction of the shop owner and fired a second shot, but no one was injured. All three males then left the shop and ran off.

An investigation was launched by the Finchley Flying Squad which included media appeals on 'Crimewatch' to ask the public for information.

Hassan was identified as a result of work carried out by the Metropolitan Police Fingerprint Branch. Inquiries conducted by the Flying Squad revealed that he was in Egypt, a country with no extradition treaty with the UK.

Hassan had fled to Egypt following him being arrested and bailed in relation to possession of crack cocaine with intent to supply. He was also extradited in order to be charged with this offence.

By 2011 further inquiries conducted by the Flying Squad revealed that Hassan was in the United States of America. Extradition proceedings were then commenced.

(DW)