HASTINGS, UK – Four men have been sentenced to prison after carrying out a high-value robbery at a mobile phone shop in Hastings and leading police on a cross-county pursuit.
The group — Daniel Larbi (21), David Larbi (19), Rio Charlton (22), and Gavin McCormac (20) — stormed the Three store on Station Road around 1 p.m. on December 11 last year.
Wearing dark tracksuits and masks, three of the men entered the store while the fourth served as a lookout. They threatened staff, broke into a secure stock room, and stole mobile phones worth tens of thousands of pounds. On their way out, they pushed a woman to the ground.
Thanks to quick coordination, Sussex Police Roads Policing Unit tracked the fleeing vehicle as it entered Kent. A pursuit ensued involving Kent Police and the Metropolitan Police, which ended in Bexleyheath, where all four suspects were arrested.
Following an investigation by Hastings CID, the men were charged with robbery and dangerous driving. They later pleaded guilty at Lewes Crown Court on April 25.
Each man was sentenced to three years in prison and disqualified from driving for two and a half years.
Chief Inspector Simon Yates, Hastings District Commander, praised the cross-force effort:
“We are grateful to Kent and Metropolitan Police for their support. Their professionalism ensured a strong case that resulted in justice being served.”
