Bluewater jewellery raid getaway driver David O'Regan jailed
The raiders targeted a
jewellery store at Bluewater shopping centre
by Keith Hunt
A getaway driver for a smash-and-grab raid on a jewellers' at
Bluewater shopping centre has been jailed for five years and three
months.
David O'Regan admitted aggravated burglary and was
sentenced to a further 16 months for two other burglaries in London
he admitted.
The 30-year-old was the fourth gang member to be jailed for over
the raid on Goldsmiths on June 28, 2011.
Maidstone Crown Court heard how - wearing balaclavas
- they smashed their way into the closed shop with
sledgehammers in the late evening.
A display cabinet was broken open and more than
£50,000 of valuables, including Tag Heuer watches
worth more than £41,000 and three Cartier watches worth
£8,225 were stolen.
Extensive damage was caused. A security guard retreated after
being threatened with the sledgehammer.
The gang drove off in a Volvo estate car and sped onto the A2,
before being chased into Bexley by police. O'Regan rammed the
police car twice in an attempt to escape.
He drove off and the other three fled on foot. Police dog
Windsor tracked one - 29-year-old David Mays - to a bush
and took a chunk out of his leg.
Mays, of Chessington Avenue, Bexleyheath, was jailed for five
years after admitting the charge.
Karen Holt, for O'Regan, of Islington, north London, said the
father-of-two turned to crime after his company dealing with
business construction went to the wall. He fell into debt and his
relationship collapsed.
"He became involved with others more criminally experienced,"
said Miss Holt. "He did what he was told. He had drug
difficulties."
21/03/13