Railway robbery gang ringleader jailed for four years

The ringleader of a railway robbery gang that robbed 38 railway passengers in one month was sentenced in Kingston Crown Court yesterday to a minimum jail term of four years.

Abubaker EGAH, 19, of Croydon, admitted four robberies, two thefts and assault causing actual bodily harm between April 1 and May 6 this year.

British Transport Police London South Robbery Squad Detective Constable Daren Bates said EGAH was part of four-strong Somalian gang that had threatened and robbed passengers travelling the railway between Sutton and Victoria.

"Over a period of one month, EGAH was responsible for approximately 24 offences of robbery, attempted robbery and assault with intent to rob some 38 victims, some of whom were as young as 13 at the time the offences were committed. On one occasion EGAH was found in possession of a firearm.

"In view of the fact that a firearm has been used during the commission of at least one of these offences, it is important to highlight the courage demonstrated by those victims who came forward and remained committed to assisting the British Transport Police investigation.

"Among the victims was a man who was standing with his pregnant partner and had simply requested that EGAH put out a cigarette he was smoking on a train. For his efforts the male was attacked with a belt.

"In another case, CCTV footage showed EGAH terrorising a 16-year-old boy on a train in full view of other passengers. He assaulted the youth and gave the youngster a tissue to wipe his bloody face. Moments later he got up to leave the train and gave the youngster a kick to the head.

"Some of these offences have been extremely violent, and while they are rare on the railway network, without the commitment of these victims it would be impossible for the police to pursue a prosecution."

In sentencing at Kingston Crown Court today Judge Matheson handed down an indeterminate sentence, and ordered EGAH to serve a minimum four years.

He said: "Members of the public are entitled to use the public transport system without the fear of encountering people like you.

"I consider you to be a danger to the public, particularly to those people travelling on the railway."
 
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