Benchmark prosecution as first trial without jury reaches conclusion
In the first trial held without a jury, four men were today (March 31) found guilty for the armed robbery of the Menzies World Cargo depot at Heathrow Airport in 2004.
In the first trial held without a jury, four men were today (March 31) found guilty for the armed robbery of the Menzies World Cargo depot at Heathrow Airport in 2004.
Portia Ragnauth, Chief Crown Prosecutor for Surrey Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) described it as a benchmark prosecution.
John Twomey, Peter Blake, Glenn Cameron and Barry Hibberd were found guilty by a single judge at the Central Criminal Court after he was satisfied that they carefully planned and co-ordinated the attack on the warehouse where more than £1,750,000 in various currencies was taken on February 6, 2004.
The decision to hold the hearing without a jury followed news of interference with the integrity of the jury at a previous trial. On the belief that any future trial was likely to involve jury tampering and that any protective measures for the jury would not address the possibility of interference or would be too burdensome for the potential jurors, the Court of Appeal agreed to a trial without a jury.
This has been a long, challenging and complex case for our team who worked for six years on this prosecution, Ms Ragnauth said.
After taking into consideration the evidence and the history of this case, we had no doubts that only a trial without a jury would protect the integrity of this prosecution and this was accepted by the Court of Appeal, which dismissed defence claims that it would be an abuse of process.
At no time was it thought inappropriate to continue with this prosecution.
The offences committed six years ago involved 16 employees at the Heathrow Airport depot to be tied up, held at gunpoint and subjected to frightening and violent attacks. One staff was fired at when trying to escape but avoided serious injury.
This case is the first to be heard by a judge alone since the law to allow it came into force in 2003.
Ms Ragnauth added: Our jury trial system should not be undermined by any suspected intimidation and jury tampering and we will continue to apply for a trial without a jury when we have evidence that justice would not be served otherwise.
It has taken six years since the offences were committed to see a result in this case and we would like to thank all those who have helped us along the way, including all the witnesses and the prosecution team.
Detective Superintendent Stuart Cundy, head of MPS Flying Squad, said:
“Today`s conviction of John Twomey, Peter Blake, Barry Hibberd and Glenn Cameron is the conclusion of a six year investigation.
“These are dangerous individuals who organised a complex armed robbery, to steal a substantial amount of money and expected to get away with it. They were prepared to not only carry guns, but to use them to ensure their plan succeeded.
“Despite the allegations made against police by these professional criminals, the evidence against these men was thoroughly tested in court and speaks for itself. The protracted and determined investigation by the MPS Flying Squad built the case against those responsible and took these violent men off the streets.
“This case required careful examination by the criminal justice system. The police worked closely with the Crown Prosecution Service in order that the best evidence and information was presented before the courts at each stage to ensure the interests of justice.
“I pay tribute to the victims of this violent robbery who provided evidence in this case. I have no doubt that these men would have continued to pose a risk to the public if they had not been caught.”