Biggleswade shop owner disappointed with robber’s jail term

Dave Allen, who runs Cambridge Coins and Jewellery in Biggleswade High Street was at Luton Crown Court to see 72-year-old John Gladwin being sentenced to four years in jail on Tuesday (October 11).

Gladwin pleaded guilty to robbery after his arrest back in June, following the robbery in January.

Mr Allen said: “I’m obviously glad that he has received a prison sentence but four years does not seem long enough really.

“I think the maximum sentence for that kind of crime is seven years but he obviously had his sentence reduced for pleading guilty, even if he only did so at the last available opportunity. It does provide some closure for me though.”

Gladwin, of Tadworth in Surrey ransacked the shop, emptying the safe and grabbing gold, coins and items of jewellery after an accomplice pushed Mr Allen to the floor. The other man then tied his hands and feet with cable ties and put a fleece over his head during the robbery.

Police tracked down Gladwin after discovering a pay-as-you-go mobile phone which had been left in the shop after the robbery.

It showed that a call had been made to a number in Chelmsford, the home of his ex-wife, which in turn led detectives to Gladwin.

Gladwin has never revealed who his accomplice was and police are still keen to identify the second man involved.

After Tuesday’s sentencing Detective Constable Richard Cunningham said: “We are very keen to hear from anyone who knows the identity of the second man involved.

“It is believed he is from the Surrey area and undoubtedly knows John Gladwin and may have been a regular associate of his.”

Anyone with information can contact DC Cunningham, in confidence, on 01582 473347, Call 101, text to 07786 200011 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.