4 sentenced over huge jewel heist at London’s Graff Diamonds, one of UK’s biggest robberies
By APFriday, August 6, 2010
4 men sentenced for huge London jewel heist
LONDON — Four men have been given long prison sentences for their involvement in an armed robbery that netted 40 million pounds (more than $60 million) worth of gems from an upmarket London jeweler.
London’s Woolwich Crown Court on Friday sentenced Aman Kassaye to 24 years in prison for kidnap, conspiracy to rob and possessing a firearm.
Three other men — Solomun Beyene, Clinton Mogg, and Thomas Thomas — were sentenced to 16 years each. All four were convicted earlier.
The theft from Graff Diamonds on London’s posh Bond Street last August was one of the biggest heists in British history.
Police say two men, disguised with professional makeup, walked into the store, pulled out guns, briefly took an employee hostage and escaped with the jewels in a series of getaway cars.
