Man convicted of planning to rob jewellers in Richmond after staff member found dead

Image: Mannix Pedro; Photograph Met Police

Estimated £1.3m in watches stolen

A man has been convicted of conspiracy to commit robbery in connection with a jewellery heist in Richmond.

Mannix Pedro, 37, planned the robbery in which two men visited a jewellers on Kew Road on 25 May 2024, after booking an appointment with the owner. Once inside, a member of staff was tied up and luxury watches were stolen estimated to be worth around £1.3 million.

Detectives examined hundreds of hours of CCTV footage and analysed phone data, which linked the two men to three others believed to have been involved in planning the crime.

The verdict was delivered at Woolwich Crown Court on Wednesday 19 February. Sentencing is scheduled to be decided at a later date.

Detective Sergeant Matt Hollands, who led the investigation, said:

“This was a planned robbery. While we are satisfied with the conviction of a dangerous offender, our investigation continues as we seek to locate the three other men involved.”

Image: Staff member Oliver White was found dead the day after the robbery; Photograph Met Police

Staff member found dead

The following day, the staff member who had been assaulted, 27-year-old Oliver White from Surrey, was found dead. His death is not being treated as suspicious, although a full inquest is still to be held.

In court it was suggested the robbery was “staged” and everyone involved “consented”, including Oliver White, who then killed himself as a result. A second defendent, Junior Kuno, told the court:

“I knew that I was going to take part in a staged robbery where everyone was consenting. I knew that the person in the shop was going to comply. I knew that I was going to put watches in the bag and I had to do nothing else.”

Co-owner of the store, Connor Thornton, has denied it was an “inside job”. Oliver White’s mother, Amy Keane, described him as a “really hardworking young man” who was “devastated by the robbery”.

Detective Sergeant Hollands added:

“We remain committed to securing justice for Oliver’s family. His death highlights the serious impact such crimes have on victims.”

In a statement, Oliver’s mother, Amy Keane, said:

 “We are all absolutely devastated with the loss of our funny, thoughtful and kind son Oliver, our lives will never be the same and we feel this loss every minute of every day.”

A re-trial is planned for another man on whom the jury failed to reach a verdict. Authorities are also continuing enquiries to locate the remaining three suspects. Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting reference 01/MP/11200/24, or to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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