Robber hid in phone box before jumping out and attacking security guard for box full of cash

Islington Gazette: Goldsmith was waiting on a motorbike for Tomlinson but sped off when his accomplice was arrestedGoldsmith was waiting on a motorbike for Tomlinson but sped off when his accomplice was arrested (Image: Archant)

A gang who targeted and violently attacked a security guard delivering cash to a bank have been found guilty of conspiracy to commit robbery.

Edward Smith, Kevin McGee, Rocky Goldsmith and Joe Tomlinson, all of Holloway, carried out the “audacious” robbery at the HSBC branch in Baker Street on October 3 last year, but were foiled by police who were waiting for them at the scene.

Tomlinson, 30, of Rydston Close, was lurking in a phone box as the guard approached the bank. He then ran from the booth, kicked and punched the guard to the floor and took off with the cash box.

He was arrested by officers seconds later as he tried to reach Goldsmith, 36, of Fleece Walk, who was waiting on a motorbike and made his getaway at speeds of 80mph when he saw the robbery had been foiled.

Islington Gazette: Edward Smith was seen scoping out the bank 20 minutes before the robberyEdward Smith was seen scoping out the bank 20 minutes before the robbery (Image: Archant)

Just 20 minutes earlier and acting on intelligence as part of “Operation Morguld” police had observed Smith, 32, of Staveley Close, scoping out the bank and the surrounding area.

All three were arrested on the day of robbery before McGee, 32, of Shearling Way – who was seen driving Smith and Goldsmith around in a white van on the day of the robbery – was picked up by officers five days later.

Smith and McGee were both found guilty of conspiracy to commit robbery at Blackfriars Crown Court on Friday, while Goldsmith and Tomlinson pleaded guilty to conspiracy to rob at the same court on an earlier date. The gang will be sentenced at Blackfriars on June 5.

Detective Sergeant Alan Stimson, of the Met’s flying squad, said: “This was an audacious robbery concocted by four individuals who gave no thought to their victim.

Islington Gazette: Kevin McGee drove Smith and Goldsmith to the scene of the crimeKevin McGee drove Smith and Goldsmith to the scene of the crime (Image: Archant)

“Tomlinson subjected the security custodian to such a vicious attack he stood little chance in defending himself.

“I am pleased that the jury have found Goldsmith and Tomlinson guilty for the part they played in the conspiracy and Smith and McGee had no choice but to plead guilty due to the overwhelming evidence put before the court.

“I hope that today’s conviction serves as a warning to those who insist on carrying out this type of crime.”

The security guard who was attacked only sustained minor injuries and did not require hospital treatment.