05/02/2010

Travel Agents Robber Jailed

An armed robber who threatened staff at a travel agents with a pistol has been given an indeterminate sentence - to serve a minimum of five years imprisonment.

Michael Michaelides, 42, of Cardinals Way, Islington, London, N19 was sentenced at Wood Green Crown Court having pleaded guilty on 13 January to robbery and possession of a firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence.

On Monday 16 November 2009 after 5.20pm Michaelides entered Thomas Cook in Muswell Hill, N10 armed with a firearm and demanded the staff members allow him access to the foreign exchange bureau. Once within he proceeded to fill a carrier bag with money.

An additional member of staff was able to raise the alarm with members of public in a nearby shop. Police were called and officers attended the scene a short time later - arresting Michaelides inside the shop.

He was taken into custody at Hornsey police station and charged on 17 November.

Investigating officer DC Adrian Whitewick said: "This was a very serious robbery where staff members carrying out their daily business were threatened by an armed gunman.

"The actions of both the staff and members of the public were crucial in assisting officers to arrest Michaelides and recover the firearm and stolen cash."

(PR/GK)

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