A Middlesbrough man who stole nearly £442,000 of jewellery from Bradley’s in Northallerton has been jailed.
Victor Okumu, 38, from Lazenby, targeted the Market Row store on 11 March, 2019.
He was jailed at York Crown Court to ten years and six months and a further five years on license following his release.
The judge described Okumu as a “very dangerous man” who was likely to reoffend.
The court heard that the ordeal left one of the staff members feeling “unsafe” and that she found it difficult around customers due to a fear that they might cause her harm.
Another staff member said that the incident was still in her thoughts and it also left her with a “fear of attack from men in helmets and work clothes”.
Police said a 49-year-old man and a 29-year-old woman remain under investigation in connection with the robbery whilst enquiries continue.
The North Yorkshire police spokesman said there is £229,640 worth of jewellery still outstanding.
The court heard that Okumu had been planning the robbery for eight months.
Wearing a blue boiler suit, a crash helmet with the visor down, he wedged the door open and jumped over the counter to confront terrified staff.
In the violent struggle a staff member received a cut to her hand, which later required surgery police said, before Okumu fled with the jewellery.
Okumu was arrested in a hotel in Fareham, Hampshire where detectives also found rings valued at £212,000.
Acting Detective Inspector Matthew Wilkinson said: “This was a professionally executed and violent robbery which was a truly terrifying ordeal for both the staff members involved and the members of public who were in close proximity to the jewellers as it took place.”
He also appealed for anyone who has any information on the remaining jewellery to contact Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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