Rainham armed robber jailed for five years
Michael Hotti was jailed - Credit: Archant
An “extremely violent” career criminal has been jailed for five years for robbing two stores while on licence.
Michael Hotti, 40, of Sunningdale Avenue, Rainham, pleaded guilty to robbery and armed robbery at Basildon Crown Court on Friday.
On March 21 he entered the Co-Op store in Mungo Park Road, Rainham at about 9pm wearing a mask and threatened staff with a claw hammer and a can of CS spray before making off with £180.
The next night he attempted to rob the Tesco Express, Butts Green Road, Hornchurch – but this time was challenged by a member of staff.
A panicked Hotti fled in his car and was followed by a member of the public to Grays, where they lost track of the car.
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He was arrested the next day by Havering CID and charged with robbery and attempted robbery.
Hotti was already on licence for a series of similar robbery-type offences and was recalled to prison pending his court hearing.
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He was remanded in custody and on Friday sentenced to five years and three months in jail.
DC Mark Eve of Havering Police CID said “This successful prosecution of an extremely violent career armed robber would not have been possible without the assistance of a member of the public who went above and beyond what could reasonably be considered his civic duty and for that I am truly grateful.
“Officers from Havering CID and others within the MPS worked tirelessly to bring this dangerous offender to justice and this sentence, on a guilty plea, reflects the level of criminality concerned.”
