Lewis Turner and Thomas Ripley have been sentenced to over 13 years in prison following a series of violent car robberies in Kent. The pair, who coordinated their crimes via phone messages, filmed themselves flaunting stolen vehicles before attempting to sell them.
The first attack occurred on 4 September 2024 when a man parked on Dartford Heath was violently assaulted. Masked men smashed his car window, dragged him from the vehicle, and stole his red Seat Ibiza along with the keys.
Just four days later, a similar robbery took place in a layby. Masked assailants in a white Ford Focus tricked a resting driver, beat him with punches and a metal bar, and stole his Audi TT and bank card, which was used less than an hour later.
Police arrested Thomas Ripley on 13 September at his Orpington home. Officers discovered keys to another stolen car with false plates and messages linking Ripley to Turner and a third accomplice, Billy Scamp, discussing the robberies and the sale of stolen vehicles. Turner and Scamp were apprehended on 3 October, with CCTV capturing Turner using the stolen bank card.
Sentences at Maidstone Crown Court were handed down as follows:
Thomas Ripley, 29, Orpington – 7 years 9 months
Lewis Turner, 34, Orpington – 6 years plus 4 years on licence
Billy Scamp, 19, Orpington – 2-year suspended sentence
Detective Constable Daniel Bister said: “These were violent, premeditated attacks that left victims terrified. Thanks to the dedication of our officers, we have removed dangerous individuals from the streets. We remain committed to keeping Kent safe and ensuring criminals are held accountable.”
