Robber tricked his way into older couple's home

A robber who posed as a government official to force his way into an older couple's home has been jailed for more than eight years.

Johnny Doherty and two other men wearing face coverings told one of the victims they would use their weapons if they did not comply.

The 26-year-old, of High Street in Feltham, south-west London, was sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court on 29 May.

The gang left the home in Chigwell, in Essex, with £48,000 in cash, jewellery, watches, a shoulder bag, a bank card, a passport and a mobile phone.

Essex Police, which led the investigation, said the total value stolen - back in January - amounted to about £100,000.

Det Con Alexander Cove, from the Loughton criminal investigation department, said the trio "initially tried to trick" the homeowner, aged in his 80s, before using violence to force their way in.

The victim had asked to see their credentials.

"This was a frightening experience for the couple and was exacerbated by the fact that it happened in their own home," he said.

"This couple's home was clearly targeted by Doherty and his accomplices.

The female victim said she had sold some of the family's jewellery for cash just a few days before.

Detectives figured out that the gang stole a car in Greater London and Doherty was arrested in April in Hayes, west London.

Police said Doherty refused to answer questions during interview and pled guilty to one count of robbery.

He was sentenced to serve eight years and three months and given a restraining order not to contact the victims.

Police are still appealing for information to help trace the two remaining suspects.

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