A girl of 17 and a serial crook who teamed up to raid an off-licence in Coulsdon were handed their sentences at Croydon Crown Court.

Luke Sewell, 19, of Strathyre Avenue, Norbury, has 10 previous convictions for robbery and two for burglary. 
He burst in to Right Way, on Brighton Road, last November, wearing a balaclava and carrying a gun with a knife strapped to it.

Last week he pleaded guilty to possessing an imitation firearm with intent and was jailed for five years after Judge Kenneth Macrae told Sewell the use of the balaclava indicated a degree of preparedness.

His accomplice, Georgie Walters-Hastie, of Lion Green Road, Coulsdon, was given a two-year supervision order after she admitted a charge of robbery.

Her plea of not guilty to the joint firearm count was accepted by the judge.

Julius Capon, prosecuting, told Croydon Crown Court: "Sewell's face was hidden by a balaclava and he held what turned out to be an imitation handgun with a plastic knife tied to it."

"He demanded cash from Awan Mohammed, who was behind the counter."

Another man working at the shop was held back by Walters-Hastie, who pinned him against the drinks counter.

The pair stole money and cigarettes, but were caught soon afterwards by Inspector Christopher Young.

Jonathan Akinsanya, who was defending Sewell, said he was remorseful for what he had done and blamed Sewell's cannabis intake for his continual law-breaking.

Mark Bagshaw, Walters-Hastie's lawyer, said she had no idea Sewell would produce a gun, a fact that was reflected in the sentencing.

The judge praised Inspector Young, who had approached Sewell unarmed before armed officers arrived, saying: "He acted in the best traditions of the police."

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