A member of a gang who used minicabs to travel around London and commit armed robberies including a hotel in King’s Cross has been jailed for 10 years.

Islington Gazette: Russell Aljaf has been jailed for 10 yearsRussell Aljaf has been jailed for 10 years (Image: Archant)

Russell Aljaf, 20, Lamin Joof, 21, and brothers Sadiq and Kurrin Bendriss, 20 and 19 respectively, booked a taxi to take them to the King’s Hotel, York Way, in March, where they robbed the lone receptionist, threatening the staff member with a gun and fleeing with £300.

The gang also targeted hotels, minicab drivers and lone members of the public in Queen’s Park, Paddington, Golders Green, St John’s Wood and Fulham during their crime spree last year.

Firearm

Aljaf, of Marsham Street, Westminster, admitted conspiracy to rob, burglary, possession of an imitation firearm and possession of an imitation firearm for the purposes of crime related to an offence in February last year, four days into his trial at Harrow Crown Court.

He was convicted in November and sentencing was adjourned until last week.

The Bendriss brothers, of Lanark Road, Maida Vale, and Joof, of no fixed address, all pleaded guilty to conspiracy to rob and possession of an imitation firearm.

The brothers were sentenced to eight years in jail and Joof to seven.

Investigating officer Det Con Rob McGee said: “I am really pleased that this gang is off London’s streets and no longer able to carry on committing these robberies.

“The level of violence and the disturbingly blatant way they carried out these crimes clearly demonstrated they had no regard for the law.”

He added: “Throughout this investigation we have received huge support from the victims and a number of witnesses who made the prosecution possible.

“I would like to thank them all for their help and bravery.

“The evidence was so overwhelming the gang all pleaded guilty.”

A fifth man is due to stand trial shortly.