- See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred Source
Three armed robbers behind a daylight raid of a family-run jewellers where they stole gems worth £225,000 have been sentenced to 15 years behind bars.
Deniz Mehmet, 28, Lee Ramsey, 46, and Robert Clarke, 50, were seen on video smashing the windows of Gregory & Co jewellers in Richmond, south-west London, on January 31.
Extraordinary footage, taken by witnesses which later went viral, showed staff bravely try to fend off the attackers, who later made off on foot.
One of the men wearing dark clothes and a hood was seen repeatedly pounding the shop's large glass window, which eventually gave way and was pulled away.
His accomplice, also wearing dark clothing, stood holding a large blue Ikea bag, which the duo then stuffed full of watches, bracelets and other items in the shop window.
Staff could be seen trying to fend the thieves off but they were unsuccessful.
The men fled the scene – where the American TV series Ted Lasso is filmed – on foot, in front of horrified onlookers who feared for their own safety.
Specialist officers carried out an extensive review of CCTV footage, alongside forensic analysis and the recovery of a vehicle believed to be linked to the robbery.
Two of the trio stormed the jewelry shop in Richmond in January, as horrified members of the public looked on
Lee Ramsey was in bed when he was arrested by police
Robert Clarke, 50, was asleep when members of the Met's Flying Squad stormed his home in Rochford, Essex
The third defendant, Deniz Mehmet, 28, of Basildon was arrested by police on the street
And the painstaking work led to the identification of the three suspects, who were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit robbery in March and April this year.
Mehmet, Ramsey and Clarke were later arrested in their Essex homes over these two months after a probe was launched by Flying Squad officers.
Bodyworn footage, from the Met Police, showed the moment officers descended on Ramsey's home, handcuffing him in the early hours of March 31 of this year.
His accomplice Clarke was lying in bed before being awakened and detained by officers that same night.
Meanwhile, Mehmet was found walking along a street on April 8 when he was taken into custody by police officers.
Clarke of Rochford, Ramsey of Harlow and Mehmet of Basildon pleaded guilty to conspiracy to rob.
They were each sentenced to five years and three months at Kingston Crown Court today.
None of the jewellery stolen by the thugs has been recovered; however, the family-run business has previously thanked the public.
Detective Superintendent Dan Mitchell, from the Met’s Flying Squad, said: ‘Robberies of this kind cause real concern for residents and businesses in the communities that are targeted. It’s they who feel the immediate impact.
‘These sentences mark a significant step in what has been a detailed and determined investigation. I hope they demonstrate our commitment to tackling smash-and-grab robberies in London by going after those involved, wherever they are.
‘The groups responsible should be under no illusion - we will pursue you relentlessly and hold you to account.’
Each of the men have been sentenced to five years and three months at Kingston Crown Court today (Pictured Lee Ramsay, 46, of Harlow)
Pictured left to right: Robert Clarke, 50, of Rochford, and Deniz Mehmet, 28, of Basildon
The duo fled the scene on foot, carrying their ill-gotten gains in a blue bag
A spokesman for Gregory & Co said in July: 'We're a local, independent, family jewellers and have been in Richmond for more than 45 years.
'The public response to this incident has been overwhelming and we are grateful for the support and kindness we've received.
'We are reassured that overall, good outweighs the bad.'
A witness who worked nearby told the Daily Mail at the time: 'The two guys appeared out of nowhere carrying a large sledgehammer and a bag.'