Latest news with #jewelleryheist
BBC News
5 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Two arrested after armed raid on Holbeach jewellers
Two men have been arrested on suspicion of armed robbery following a raid at a jewellers in were called to PG Jewellery and Collectables on West End, Holbeach, shortly after midday on was damage inside the store, and jewellery was believed to have been taken, Lincolnshire Police suspects were arrested near Retford, Nottinghamshire, after police used a rolling roadblock and a stinger to stop the vehicle they were in. Armed police took part in the arrests, the force added. Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Terrifying moment jewel thief fired up smoke grenades in Claridge's and smashed his way into display case in £190,000 raid before hero security guard grabbed him
A career criminal caught on CCTV lobbing smoke grenades into Claridge's and smashing a jewellery display cabinet open with a sledgehammer was jailed for six years. Jay McGinty, 37, tried to grab £190,000 worth of gems from the world-famous luxury Mayfair hotel - but he was thwarted by a pair of brave security staff before he could escape through its revolving doors. The brazen would-be thief arrived on a moped with no number plate as he pulled the pin on a pair of smoke grenades shortly before 8.30pm on March 14 this year. As the devices ignited he dashed into the lobby in full view of passers-by before setting down the grenade to create a smokescreen. Wearing a motorcycle helmet and balaclava to obscure his identity, he then took a sledgehammer to a jewellery case as the hotel's CCTV cameras were obscured by a thick black fog. But his escape was thwarted by security staff who confronted him and held the revolving door shut and trapped him inside until police arrived, even as he threatened one of the brave workers with violence. McGinty, a prolific offender with a string of convictions to his name, pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated burglary at the first instance and was sentenced at Southwark Crown Court this week. Charles Evans, prosecuting, said police were called minutes after his arrival at the hotel, as he smashed into the display case containing almost £200,000 worth of jewels. He said: 'At approximately 8.30pm on Friday 14 March 2025, police were called to an incident at Claridge's Hotel in Mayfair, to reports of a male smashing a jewellery display case containing high value jewellery belonging to Jessica McCormack jewellers. 'Hotel CCTV shows the defendant arriving at Claridge's Hotel as pillion passenger on a Vespa motorcycle with no number plate being displayed. 'The Vespa pulled up outside a side entrance to Claridge's on Davies Street. The hotel is accessed through a revolving door. It is within that corridor, close to the revolving door that the jewellery display cabinet is situated.' CCTV shows McGinty hopping off the scooter and pulling the pins on the grenade before reaching for an orange-handled sledgehammer stashed in the Vespa's footwell as he rushed inside with the smoking grenades. Mr Evans continued: 'The defendant then set about the display cabinet with the sledgehammer. He was still wearing his motorcycle crash helmet and a balaclava beneath, no doubt as a means of concealing his identity.' McGinty smashed his way into the cabinet and began taking jewels - but was interrupted by security guard Bright Acheampong, who rushed in as he saw smoke and heard the bangs of the thug hammering at the cabinet. Mr Acheampong challenged McGinty as he put his hand into the cabinet and made his way to the revolving door - only to find it was jammed in place by another member of Claridge's staff. 'The guard grabbed hold of the defendant within the revolving door (and) the defendant, still holding the sledgehammer, shouted "don't come near me or I'll hit you" or words to that effect, which caused some concern to him,' Mr Evans said. 'However, he managed to pull the defendant out of the door and took the sledgehammer from him.' The brave guard detained McGinty and called police. Staff at the hotel later recovered a 16-inch pearl necklace worth £5,000 and a pearl pendant worth £7,500 near the exit. McGinty has 20 convictions for 38 offences, including robbery, multiple burglaries and possession of a firearm without a certificate, the court heard. Matthew Ralston, defending, said McGinty had suffered a 'rather troubled upbringing' that saw him placed into care twice, and had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2012. 'Mr McGinty has always been rather matter of fact about his involvement, at the earliest occasion at the Magistrates Court, he said he was going to plead guilty,' Mr Ralston said. 'He has periods of manic episodes where he is rather erratic in his behaviour. It is against that background that he finds himself at the Claridge's hotel in Mayfair.' Wearing a grey suit with a blue tie, McGinty spoke only to confirm his name. Sentencing him to six years imprisonment, Judge Tony Baumgartner told him: 'I accept you suffer from a mental health disorder, most likely bipolar disorder. 'In the opinion of the probation officer, you need to develop your thinking skills. If you do not do so, he believes there is a possibility of history repeating itself in the future. He believes you need to want to change. 'You offered a guilty plea to this offence at the earliest opportunity. For that, I will give you full credit.' The thief showed no emotion as he was taken to the cells.
News24
24-05-2025
- News24
Kim Kardashian ‘grateful' after Paris robbers convicted
Kim Kardashian has expressed her gratitude to the French authorities after the conviction of a gang that stole $10 million in jewellery from her during a robbery in Paris in 2016. The convicted 'Grandpa robbers' got light sentences and avoided more jail time, despite calls for harsher punishments. Most of the stolen jewellery, including a $3.9 million diamond ring, has not been found. A French court on Friday convicted a gang of robbers who stole $10 million in jewellery from reality TV star Kim Kardashian in a Paris hotel in 2016, although they will not return to jail, and the verdicts were more lenient than requested by the prosecution. Describing the heist as 'the most terrifying experience of my life', Kardashian swiftly expressed her gratitude to the French authorities for pursuing 'justice' in the case. Nine men and one woman have been on trial since April, and prosecutors sought the toughest jail terms - 10 years - for the four men accused of carrying out the robbery. Aomar Ait Khedache, 69, the ringleader, was handed the heaviest sentence of three years in prison plus five years suspended, but due to time served in jail, will not return to detention, like all the others convicted. Two other suspects accused of handing information about the American superstar's whereabouts were acquitted. All the sentences were substantially lower than the terms demanded by the prosecution. Kardashian, then 35, was robbed while staying at an exclusive hotel in the French capital on the night of 2-3 October 2016. She was threatened with a gun to the head and tied up, with her mouth taped. Kardashian said after the verdict that she was 'deeply grateful to the French authorities for pursuing justice'. 'The crime was the most terrifying experience of my life, leaving a lasting impact on me and my family,' she said in a statement sent by her lawyers. 'While I'll never forget what happened, I believe in the power of growth and accountability and pray for healing for all,' she added. 'I am very sorry' After the hearing adjourned, the convicted men embraced their loved ones in relief and slowly left the courtroom, taking with them the bags and suitcases they had prepared in case of imprisonment. 'The sentences are quite lenient; I understand that you understand that you have caused harm,' presiding judge David De Pas told them as he read out the verdicts. He also said, 'The state of health of the main protagonists ethically prohibits incarcerating anyone. It would have been unjust to take you to prison this evening.' Aomar Ait Khedache had begged to be forgiven in his final statement ahead of sentencing. Khedache is now virtually mute and completely deaf, and his statement was read out by his lawyer. 'I ask for forgiveness. I can't find the words. I am very sorry,' he wrote, asking for 'a thousand pardons' from his son Harminy, who was convicted for acting as a driver on the night of the heist. Two other men convicted of carrying out the robbery on the night, Yunice Abbas, 71, and Didier Dubreucq, 69, were sentenced to seven years in jail, including five suspended. Dubreucq was absent as he is undergoing chemotherapy treatment for cancer. The fourth member of the robbery gang, Marc-Alexandre Boyer, at 35, the only youngster, was given the same sentence. Kardashian's lawyers said in a statement that the star 'looks forward to putting this tragic episode behind her as she continues working to improve the criminal justice system on behalf of victims, the innocent, and the incarcerated seeking to redeem themselves'. 'Grandpa robbers' Most of the stolen valuables were never recovered, including a diamond ring given to Kardashian by her then-husband, rapper Kanye West. The ring alone was valued at 3.5 million euros ($3.9 million). The robbery was the biggest against a private individual in France in 20 years. Most of the accused are now in their 60s and 70s and have been dubbed the 'Grandpa robbers' by French media. But making the sentencing demands earlier this week, the prosecutor urged the judges and jury to remember that Kardashian was targeted by a violent attack and not to be taken in by the 'wrinkles' of the defendants. AFP The American star testified at the trial, wearing a diamond necklace valued at $3 million, according to its New York-based creator, Samer Halimeh. During the trial, Kardashian told the court she forgave Khedache after hearing a letter of apology from him. 'I forgive you for what has taken place, but it does not change the emotion, the feelings, the trauma and the way my life changed,' she told Khedache, adding that she believed in a 'second chance'. Kardashian, sometimes described as 'famous for being famous', became well known in the early 2000s through TV reality shows before launching fashion brands and appearing in films.
Malay Mail
24-05-2025
- Malay Mail
Kim Kardashian robbery: French court convicts gang, but spares jail time for ‘grandpa robbers'
PARIS, May 24 — A French court on Friday convicted a gang of robbers who stole US$10 million in jewellery from reality TV star Kim Kardashian in a Paris hotel in 2016, although they will not return to jail and the verdicts were more lenient than requested by the prosecution. Describing the heist as 'the most terrifying experience of my life', Kardashian swiftly expressed her gratitude to the French authorities for pursuing 'justice' in the case. Nine men and one woman have been on trial since April and prosecutors sought the toughest jail terms – 10 years – for the four men accused of carrying out the robbery. Aomar Ait Khedache, 69, the ringleader, was handed the heaviest sentence of three years in prison plus five years suspended, but due to time served in jail will not return to detention, like all the others convicted. Two other suspects accused of handing information about the American superstar's whereabouts were acquitted. All the sentences were substantially lower than the terms demanded by the prosecution. Kardashian, then 35, was robbed while staying at an exclusive hotel in the French capital on the night of October 2-3, 2016. She was threatened with a gun to the head and tied up, with her mouth taped. Kardashian said after the verdict she she was 'deeply grateful to the French authorities for pursuing justice'. 'The crime was the most terrifying experience of my life, leaving a lasting impact on me and my family,' she said in a statement sent by her lawyers. 'While I'll never forget what happened, I believe in the power of growth and accountability and pray for healing for all,' she added. 'I am very sorry' After the hearing adjourned, the convicted men embraced their loved ones in relief and slowly left the courtroom, taking with them the bags and suitcases they had prepared in case of imprisonment. 'The sentences are quite lenient; I understand that you understand that you have caused harm,' presiding judge David De Pas told them as he read out the verdicts. He also said 'the state of health of the main protagonists ethically prohibits incarcerating anyone. It would have been unjust to take you to prison this evening.' Aomar Ait Khedache had begged to be forgiven in his final statement ahead of sentencing. Khedache is now virtually mute and completely deaf, and his statement was read out by his lawyer. 'I ask for forgiveness. I can't find the words. I am very sorry,' he wrote, asking for 'a thousand pardons' from his son Harminy, who was convicted for acting as a driver on the night of the heist. Two other men convicted of carrying out the robbery on the night, Yunice Abbas, 71, and Didier Dubreucq, 69, were sentenced to seven years jail including five suspended. Dubreucq was absent as he is undergoing chemotherapy treatment for cancer. The fourth member of the robbery gang, Marc-Alexandre Boyer, at 35 the only youngster, was given the same sentence. Kardashian's lawyers said in a statement that the star 'looks forward to putting this tragic episode behind her, as she continues working to improve the criminal justice system on behalf of victims, the innocent, and the incarcerated seeking to redeem themselves'. 'Grandpa robbers' Most of the stolen valuables were never recovered, including a diamond ring given to Kardashian by her then-husband, rapper Kanye West. The ring alone was valued at 3.5 million euros (US$3.9 million). The robbery was the biggest against a private individual in France in 20 years. Most of the accused are now in their 60s and 70s and have been dubbed the 'Grandpa robbers' by French media. But making the sentencing demands earlier this week, the prosecutor urged the judges and jury to remember that Kardashian was targeted by a violent attack and not to be taken in by the 'wrinkles' of the defendants. The American star testified at the trial, wearing a diamond necklace valued at US$3 million, according to its New York-based creator Samer Halimeh. During the trial, Kardashian told the court she forgave Khedache after hearing a letter of apology from him. 'I forgive you for what has taken place but it does not change the emotion, the feelings, the trauma and the way my life changed,' she told Khedache, adding that she believed in a 'second chance'. Kardashian, sometimes described as 'famous for being famous', became well known in the early 2000s through TV reality shows, before launching fashion brands and appearing in films. — AFP
The Guardian
23-05-2025
- The Guardian
Four men guilty of Kim Kardashian jewellery heist in Paris
Four men have been found guilty of breaking into a luxury residence in Paris and stealing jewellery worth millions of euros from the American reality TV star Kim Kardashian when she attended fashion week in 2016. Three pensioners and one man in his 30s were convicted of carrying out the armed heist, which was thought to be the biggest robbery of an individual in France in 20 years. Four other people were found guilty of assisting in the plot or related charges. Two people were acquitted of accusations they handed out information about Kardashian's whereabouts. The armed, masked men who were dressed in police jackets, arrived by bike or on foot just before 3am on 3 October 2016 at Kardashian's exclusive building near Paris's Place de la Concorde, known as a 'no address' site, where celebrities often rent sumptuous suites. They held a receptionist at gunpoint and then went up to Kardashian's room where they held her hostage with a gun, tying her hands and feet and taping her mouth. They escaped with jewellery worth up to an estimated €10m. The jewels, which were never found, included a 18.88-carat diamond engagement ring given to Kardashian by her then husband, the rapper Kanye West, estimated to be worth £3m. The leaders of the gang, aged in their 60s and 70s, were nicknamed the 'grandpa robbers' by French media. But the state prosecutor, Anne-Dominique Merville, had told jurors not to be fooled by their age or 'reassuring wrinkles', saying they were seasoned criminals with long track records and previous prison sentences. Aomar Aït Khedache, 68, a retired restaurant owner alleged to have masterminded the robbery, was handed the heaviest sentence of three years in prison plus five years suspended, but due to time already served in jail he will not return to detention. For the same reason, none of the convicted men were sent to prison. The court heard Aït Kadeche ''gave orders', recruited others and travelled to Belgium to sell the jewellery. He is now deaf and cannot speak, so he read the court's questions on a typed transcript, writing his answers with a pen and paper, projected on to a screen. 'I ask for forgiveness. I can't find the words. I am very sorry,' he wrote as the trial ended. Didier Dubreucq, 69, was found guilty as well as Yunice Abbas, 71, who admitted to arriving at the scene with two accomplices on bicycles to 'keep watch'. Abbas had told the court: 'All I have to offer you is regret. I'm sorry.' Marc-Alexandre Boyer, the youngest member of the group, now in his 30s, was also convicted. In a statement after the verdict, Kardashian said she was 'satisfied' with the verdict, adding that she was 'deeply grateful to the French authorities for pursuing justice.' More details soon…
