The manager of a Pilgrims Hatch off-licence robbed at gunpoint by Daniel Grimes during a terrifying raid has told of her relief that he is now behind bars.
Mita Barry, of Unwins Wine Merchants in Ongar Road, was in the shop with her daughter, who was then only 15, and another staff member when the robbery took place last December.
She said Grimes walked in, produced a gun and demanded money from the till and bottles of spirits, which he stuffed inside his coat before fleeing.
"When somebody is pointing a gun at you, you let them have what you they want," she added.
"It happened so quickly. I'm glad that he's behind bars. You don't really need people like that on the streets, scaring the life out of others and pointing guns in people's faces."
Ms Barry praised the police for their actions, saying they were "very supportive," and said she now wants to forget about the whole ordeal.
Police have praised local residents for their help in identifying Grimes as the criminal responsible for the series of armed raids in Brentwood, Ongar and east London.
Witnesses were crucial in helping the police find the vehicle Grimes used and making sure he was brought to justice when officers spotted the car in Harold Hill.
Det Sgt Tom O'Brien, of Brentwood Police, said Essex officers had worked in partnership with officers from the flying squad and the Met police to put together the case against Grimes.
He said: "We are very pleased that this man is going to be off the streets for 11 years.
Det Con Kevin Ford, who led the investigation, said: "The members of the public who assisted us were wonderful. This is an outstanding result which was achieved largely through the help we received from witnesses."
Published Thursday, July 31, 2003
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