Just before 11.30am on Monday 27 September 2021, two men caused alarm on Epping High Street by committing a bold jewellery robbery. The suspects wore hyper-realistic, full-face latex masks that made them appear as elderly gentlemen.
The pair forced their way into a jewellery shop by threatening staff. They gagged an employee and dragged them to the office, tying them to a chair with cable ties. In a brazen act, one of the robbers ripped a valuable Rolex watch worth £15,000 from the employee’s wrist.
Not stopping there, the duo brandished a knife and a hatchet axe, ransacking staff areas before triggering the alarm. They then fled the scene in a waiting vehicle parked outside, taking the stolen Rolex with them.
Weeks later, police on patrol in Canvey Island stopped a vehicle connected to the robbery. The driver, George Murphy-Bristow, was found to have two identical latex masks and outfits in the boot, matching those worn by the robbers. A black duffel bag contained the stolen hatchet, knife, and cable ties. George was arrested immediately.
Forensic analysis discovered saliva inside the masks, with DNA matching both George Murphy-Bristow and his older brother Benjamin Murphy, confirming their involvement in the crime.
Both brothers, from Dewey Road, were arrested in June 2021. They declined to answer questions but were charged with robbery and possession of bladed articles. At Southend-on-Sea Magistrates’ Court, Benjamin, aged 37, and George, aged 28, denied all charges.
Following a three-day trial at Basildon Crown Court, the jury took just over an hour to find them guilty. Benjamin Murphy received an 18-year sentence for robbery and two counts of possessing bladed weapons. George Murphy-Bristow was sentenced to 13 years for robbery, two bladed weapon charges, and going equipped for theft.
Detective Inspector Yoni Adler, who led the investigation, stated: “Benjamin Murphy and his brother George Murphy-Bristow planned this robbery, using masks to avoid detection. But careful forensic work and proactive policing linked them directly to the crime. I want to thank the store’s staff for their support after an undoubtedly frightening incident. I hope they can now move on.”
The stolen Rolex watch, valued at £15,000, remains missing.
Originally published by UKNIP.
