A man who threatened to shoot his victims if they didn’t keep quiet and hand over their handbags was sentenced to eight years in prison at Kingston Crown Court yesterday.
Kieron Rowe, 26, of The Broadway was jailed after pleading guilty to two armed robberies.
The court heard how on July 26 2014 at about 6.30pm the victim, a woman in her late forties, was walking back to her home in Tooting.
Rowe approached the woman and walked past her – he then turned round and, from only a foot away, pointed a handgun directly at her head.
He pushed the victim against some bushes and when she screamed he threatened to shoot her if she didn’t keep quiet.
He demanded her handbag and snatched it from her arm and then made off.
Rowe’s second offence came only days later on Monday July 28 at about 11.30pm.
A 30-year-old woman was walking from Tooting Broadway Station when she heard the sound of a bicycle approaching from behind.
Rowe was on this bike and he rode past the woman and then stopped – he pointed a gun at the victim’s chest and demanded her bag.
However the victim did not have any cash, so Rowe demanded her bank cards and PIN numbers which the victim gave him.
Rowe told the victim she would have to come with him to the cash point, but as he walked back to his bike the victim used the opportunity to run.
It was later found that £700 was taken from the victim’s account before the cards could be cancelled.
Detectives from Wandsworth CID had soon linked the crimes and established the same person was responsible.
Rowe was arrested for both offences, but denied any involvement in the crimes, however both victims were able to pick him out at an identity parade and on July 30 Rowe was charged with both crimes.
Detective Constable Aled Thomas, of Wandsworth CID, said: “This man terrified two women with a handgun for his own selfish gain.
“The long sentence he received is totally justified and should warn others of the consequences of gun crime.
“I would like to thank both victims – it was only with their cooperation that we could bring this man to justice.
“I would also like to thank our PCSO colleague, whose vigilance helped us swiftly identify Rowe as the person responsible.”
