Man and woman found guilty of Thomas Cook Caterham armed robbery

A man and woman charged in connection with an armed robbery against Thomas Cook in Caterham last year have been found guilty

In July 2013, David Bentley, 54, threatened staff at the Thomas Cook travel agents on Croydon road with a firearm, before leaving the store with over £15,000 in cash and travellers cheques.

Bentley then left Caterham in a car which was waiting for him nearby, driven by 28-year-old Justyna Pietrzak.

Following a trial at Maidstone Crown Court Bentley, formally of Court Road in Orpington, Kent, was yesterday (Monday, 15 September) found guilty on four counts of robbery and four counts of possession of a firearm.

Justyna Pietrza of Palmer Avenue in Gravesend was found guilty on four counts of robbery.

 “This was a terrifying experience for all those who were in the store at the time of the robbery and I hope the guilty verdict goes some way to help their recovery following the incident” said Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Sean Kelly.

“I would like to praise the witnesses who bravely stood and gave evidence throughout the trial, this can be a daunting experience but if it wasn’t for people like this we would not be able to secure convictions against dangerous individuals like Bentley and Pietrzak.

 “Following the incident detectives from East Surrey CID worked closely with the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate after intelligence suggested the offenders could be responsible for robberies in their area too. It was as a result of the Kent and Essex investigation and partnership working that we were able to bring those responsible to justice.”

Bentley has been remanded in custody and Pietrzak released on bail. They are both due to be sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday, 17 October.