Jail terms for gems store robbers Dean Usher and Jimmy Tan held by have-a-go heroes

Published: 18th March, 2011

TWO robbers who staged a daylight raid on a jewellers were foiled by passers-by, the Old Bailey heard when the pair were given jail sentences.

Dean Usher, 19, of Essex Road, Islington, and Jimmy Tan, 19, from south London, found themselves up against “have-a-go” members of the public who tackled them after the gems store raid.

Judge Anthony Leonard, QC, praised the “astonishing fortitude” of those who prevented the robbers’ escape at the shop near St Paul’s in the City following the raid by a four-strong gang on motor bikes in December last year. 

Armed with hammers and wearing disguises, they smashed their way into the shop and snatched designer watches valued at £190,000. Two of the attackers managed to escape, but Usher and Tan were held until police arrived.

Both admitted robbery. Usher also pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicle-taking, and Tan to assault causing bodily injury. Usher was sentenced to five years and Tan to five-and-a-half years.