A FATHER and son team have been found guilty of stealing £45,000 in a violent cash-in-transit robbery last year.
Terrance James Clark, 50 and Lewis James Clark, 27, both of Thessaly Road in Battersea, were found guilty today at Guildford Crown Court.
On January 30, last year, the duo travelled to Tattenham Corner with the sole intention of committing the robbery.
At around 10.20am on the day in question, a cream coloured stolen Chevrolet Captiva was seen circling the shops on Tattenham Corner three times, about 10 minutes later, the pair struck, attacking the victim – James Smith - with what is believed to be an imitation firearm before leaving the scene with a cash box containing around £45,000 in £20 notes.
Around an hour later the Chevrolet was found by officers parked on North View Crescent.
The ensuing investigation included CCTV, financial investigations, ANPR and mobile telephone analysis. Surrey Police officers also carried out what is believed to be the first ever Twitter reconstruction, exactly one month after the crime.
The Clarks were arrested within a week of the crime and were released on bail before being charged on October 30.
Today, after an eight day trial, the two were found guilty.
Senior investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Paul Rymarz, said: "The Clarks' are clearly extremely dangerous individuals and thankfully due to the verdict today are likely to remain off the streets of Surrey for some time.
"Neither Terrance or Lewis have shown a shred of remorse for this horrific crime, which was committed for no other reason other than pure greed.
"Although we cannot turn back the clock for the victim, I hope the verdict today will go some way to allow him and his family to move on for this horrendous ordeal. I would like to thank them for the courage they have shown throughout the legal process and I wish them all the best for the future.
"The cash delivery industry offers a valuable service and innocent men and woman who are just going about their every day job should not have to live in fear of being targeted by such criminals as the Clarks'."
During the trial, the jury heard how Lewis was seen spending large quantities of cash in designer shops following the offence; money he claimed he got from selling cannabis and amateur boxing
He has also been looking up cash-in-transit robberies on YouTube, but said that was to help a friend who was thinking of going into the business and wanted to know the risks.
His father Terrence planned to have a new kitchen and other home improvements carried out at his home in Battersea which amounted to a value of £5,000.
The court heard how the violent attack had left the victim, Mr Smith, with significant injuries to his face and hands, including the loss of his front teeth, which still requires treatment.
He also needed bone grafts and implants following injuries to his face and hands.
In hospital after the attack, Mr Smith's wedding ring had to be removed due to swelling and he has not been able to wear this since.
Mr Smith, an army veteran of 24-years, also relived the events of that morning in court, including the moment the offender is believed to have pulled the trigger on the gun, which was described as a pistol, and when it didn't fire used the weapon to 'pistol whip' him.
His security helmet filled up with blood and fragments of his teeth were seen on his clothing.
Mr Smith, said: "As a cash-delivery driver I had received extensive training from the company around what to do in the event of a robbery but the events of that day happened so quickly I was unable to act.
"It was surreal and no amount of training could ever prepare you for that experience.
"It is unbelievable how quickly your life can change, the little things you once took for granted are taken away from you at no fault of your own.
"You never think anything like this will happen to you, but it can happen to anyone, and I would strongly encourage anyone who has either been a victim or witness of a crime to seek the necessary help and advice which is available to allow you to come to terms with your ordeal."
Both Terrance and Lewis are due to be sentenced at Guildford Crown Court on Friday, 13 June.
