A man, identified as Karl Kaynar, instilled fear in the staff of a pizza restaurant in Swanley, Kent, by brandishing what looked like a firearm and demanding money. He managed to steal approximately £400 from the cash register before fleeing the scene. The following day, Kaynar targeted an Asda petrol station in London Road, threatening employees with a knife and a broken paving slab while stealing a substantial amount of cash.
Kaynar was apprehended on the same day of the incidents, leading to the recovery of the air gun he used during the robberies. Further investigations at an address linked to him revealed a bag from the Asda robbery and a knife. In court, Kaynar pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including robbery, possession of an imitation firearm, possession of a knife in a public place, theft, and drug offenses.
He was sentenced to a total of nine years and four months in prison, with an additional period of 86 days for breaching a suspended sentence. Upon release, he will be under four years of supervision. Detective Constable Rosie Acton emphasized the seriousness of Kaynar’s actions, highlighting the genuine fear he instilled in his victims. She expressed relief that his arrest prevented further harm to the community and hoped that his incarceration would bring reassurance to the residents and workers of Swanley.
