[Image: Mario Madeo]
A teenager who carried out armed robberies on fast food outlets in Barnet and Brent has been sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment.
Mario Madeo, 19 (10.08.96) of Willoughby Lane, Tottenham was sentenced at Harrow Crown Court on Thursday, 8 October after pleading guilty on Thursday, 3 September to two counts of robbery and two counts of possessing an imitation firearm whilst committing robbery.
The court heard how Madeo and another man entered a fast food outlet in High Road, Willesden on Monday, 25 May around 23:00hrs. Upon entering Madeo quickly jumped over the counter and threatened a member of staff with a handgun. Both men then raided money from the till and made off along Park Avenue.
Firearm officers were called and searched the area. At 23:50hrs, officers noticed two men matching the description walking along Cricklewood Broadway, Cricklewood. They were seen to enter a fast food outlet where they carried out a second armed robbery. As Madeo tried to exit the door he was detained by officers. He was wearing a balaclava and in possession of a gas-powered handgun and stolen cash. The second man ran out of the fire exit at the rear of the premises. Officers pursued him but were unable to detain him.
Madeo was arrested on suspicion of armed robbery. He told officers that he had been forced by a group of men and threatened with a gun if he didn’t commit the robbery in Cricklewood.
Despite this, Madeo was charged on 27 May. He attended Hendon Magistrates’ Court that day and was remanded in custody. He pleaded guilty at Harrow Crown Court on 3 September.
Detective Constable Adrian Whitewick from the Flying Squad said: “This was a planned and organised set of armed robberies. It must have been a terrifying experience for the staff that were robbed at gunpoint late at night. This sentence shows that the Met will act quickly to detain and bring to justice anyone those that seek to carry out such brazen attacks. I am pleased that the imitation handgun used in the robbery is now off the streets. Efforts are continuing to bring Madeo’s accomplice to justice.”
