News Item - News - Surrey Police

Robbery Conspirators Sentenced to a total of 26 years

Submitted: 13/07/2007 14:20:09

Six men found guilty at Guildford Crown Court in connection with an armed robbery in West Byfleet have been sentenced to a total of 26 years.

Dragan STANIC, 24 of Albert Drive Sheerwater, Flavio IACURTI, 28, of Conquest Road, Addlestone, Joseph BEECH, 34, of Dunmore, Guildford, Eric SUMMERFIELD, 51, of Falcon Road, Guildford, Christian LYNCH, 30, of Dene Court, Guildford and Ricky Ashley, 18, of Alpha Road, Woking were found guilty of Conspiracy to Rob on Wednesday 13 June following an eleven day trial.

The group were arrested in connection with an armed robbery of the cash office at Woolworths, Station Approach, West Byfleet on the 27 November 2006. Judge INMAN heard how the men had planned to rob the store using inside man Ricky ASHLEY in November 2006. However following an extensive Police operation all six were arrested before they could carry out the raid. Numerous Police departments were involved in the planning and execution of the operation including surveillance teams, tactical support officers, CID Detectives, Scenes of Crime officers and mobile phone forensic experts, CCL Ltd in Warwickshire.

In front of a full court room of mainly friends and family of the offenders, the court heard how each offender was recruited believing it to be an easy crime, coupled with greed of the extra money in the build up towards Christmas.

Eric SUMMEFIELD also pleaded guilty to a Dwelling Burglary of a 79-year-old woman on the 17 October 2007 in Guildford. He stole £9000 of jewellery and family heirlooms to fund his heroin addiction, this coupled with his extensive criminal record and risk of re-offending led the Judge to sentence him to 6 years in prison.

Joseph BEECH received 5 years in prison after being arrested at the scene armed with a wheel brace, Halloween mask and gloves.

Dragan STANIC received 5 years for his pivotal role in organising the raid, using his family ties with the inside man and recruiting the other offenders.

Christian LYNCH and Flavio IACURTI who were arrested in their vehicles acting as getaway drivers received 3½ years each. IACURTI’s Subaru Impreza was seized and forfeited by the Judge which will be sold at auction and valued at over £10,000.

Ricky ASHLEY now 18 years who acted at the inside man, was given a lenient sentence by the Judge due to becoming a father during the trial, he received 3 years in a Youth Offenders Institute. All defendants had their mobile phones seized and forfeited by the Judge.

Investigating Officer Detective Constable Paul KENDALL said: “This is a good result and Surrey Police are happy with the sentences handed down. These criminals believed they could use violence towards Woolworths’ staff in order to steal a large amount of cash, but Police were waiting at the scene. Anyone who believes they can commit this level of criminality should expect this level of investigation. I would like to thank Woolworths for their assistance and this demonstrates our commitment to preventing crime and taking potentially dangerous criminals off the streets.”