By GB News (World News) | Created at 2025-03-22 21:55:55 | Updated at 2025-04-04 17:36:37
1 week ago
A couple who threatened a Sainsbury's worker with a knife during a cigarette heist in south London have been jailed.
Nicoleta Popescu, 19, of Shenstone Gardens in Romford, and her boyfriend Nicon Popescu, 31, of Stanmore Road in Leytonstone - both in the capital's east - have been handed multi-year prison sentences for a masked robbery last year.
At Kingston Crown Court, the pair were convicted of aggravated burglary and going equipped for theft following the incident on September 1.
The masked duo stole thousands of pounds worth of cigarettes during the armed attack on a branch of the supermarket in Battersea.
The masked duo stole thousands of pounds worth of cigarettes during the armed attack on a London Sainsbury's
METROPOLITAN POLICE
At Kingston Crown Court, the pair were convicted of aggravated burglary and going equipped for theft
PA
They were finally caught on October 24 when stopped in Romford.
Police found them carrying various tools for theft including a crowbar, bolt cutters, screwdrivers, gloves and a torch.
Judge Barklem described the Sainsbury's robbery as a "cold-blooded" incident, which would have traumatised both shoppers and staff inside.
The court heard that Nicon Popescu had come to the UK seven years ago as an economic migrant, and initially worked in construction.
He later developed a heroin addiction which caused him to lose his job, home and friends.
The pair robbed this Sainsbury's in Battersea, south London
Nicoleta Popescu became homeless after strained relations with her family due to cannabis and crack cocaine use.
The couple met while sleeping rough in a park in Romford.
Judge Barklem noted that Nicoleta claimed to have "limited recollection of the events due to being under the influence of drugs".
However, the judge rejected this, saying: "The CCTV footage shows someone who is agile and plainly aware of her surroundings, jumping over the counter and filling a duffle bag with tobacco."
Nicon Popescu received a sentence of three years and eight months in prison.
Nicoleta Popescu was given a shorter term of two years and seven months.
