The final member of a gang who committed two violent robberies against cash in transit (CIT) couriers has been jailed after being sentenced at Southwark Crown Court.
Thomas Pulhofer, aged 21, was jailed for seven years for the part he played in the two cash robberies, as well as a series of violent 'strangulation' robberies and one aggravated taking and driving away offence.
Earlier this year, Christopher Ryan and Nicholas Bidar were sentenced for their part in both CIT crimes, with Bidar receiving 17 years imprisonment for robbery and using a firearm with intent to resist arrest. His colleague Christopher Ryan was given a six month sentence, suspended for two years and an 18 month supervision order for handling stolen goods. Both men were in possession of bank notes marked with SmartWater at the time of their arrest, which provided the prosecution with forensic evidence to link them with the offences.
The gang carried out two separate raids on security vans, one in Queensway in which a courier was stabbed, and another in Cricklewood involving a high-speed car chase, during which Ncholas Bidar fired several shots at Police officers using a handgun. Pulhofer, who was the gang’s getaway driver, crashed their escape vehicle into a Police car, injuring the officers inside, one of whom required hospital treatment for a head injury.
As the gang left the vehicle Bidar is believed to have fired a further shot into the air within sight of a parade of shops, a college and a nursery school. In one last desperate attempt to escape Bidar jumped into the Grand Union Canal. He was subsequently pulled from the canal by pursuing Police Officers and arrested. Meanwhile Christopher Ryan and Thomas Pulhofer were detained in a nearby street a short distance from the wrecked getaway car.
Bidar was found with traces of SmartWater dye on his hands and clothing which forensically linked him to the Cricklewood robbery, whilst cash from the robbery was also found in the getaway car. The gang were also in possession of banknotes carrying traces of SmartWater which were linked to the Queensway attack. Area searches led to the recovery of crucial evidence including a SmartWater stained glove and a loaded 9mm handgun. Forensic examination later confirmed that this was the same weapon that had been fired during the pursuit.
Detective Chief Inspector Pam Mace, of the Barnes Flying Squad, said: "Pulhofer is a dangerous man who was prepared to go to any lengths in order to escape arrest. His actions in 2008 resulted in an officer being treated for a head injury which could easily have been more serious. I would like to acknowledge the bravery of the officers who were on duty in Westminster that day. Despite the knowledge they were dealing with an armed suspect in the car who was prepared to use a firearm, they chose to continue the pursuit to stop them.”
Kevin O’Connor, Risk Director, G4S Cash Services (UK) said: “This particular case highlights the fact that those involved in CIT robberies are often involved in other criminal activities within their local communities. These individuals displayed a total disregard for the safety of members of the public, police officers and our crew members. We welcome this sentence, which sends out a strong message to those considering attacking a CIT courier. “
Phil Cleary, Chief Executive of SmartWater Technology Ltd, said: “In this instance SmartWater assisted the Police to link the gang to more than one robbery, which had a significant impact on their sentences. The evidence provided by SmartWater is undeniable and has a 100% conviction rate when used in court. We will continue to assist the Police and our partners within the CIT sector to help secure criminal convictions of this type.”