A brazen robbery at a luxury watch shop in Richmond, London, spiraled into a devastating tragedy, culminating in the imprisonment of three men and the heartbreaking loss of a young manager’s life.
Kyle Mehmet, Michael Holmes, and Mannix Pedro meticulously planned the £1.1 million heist at 247 Kettles in May 2024, targeting over 70 high-end watches, including a Rolex Sky Dweller valued at £30,000. The shop’s owners were away in New York when the carefully orchestrated crime unfolded.
During the robbery, store manager Oliver White, just 27 years old, was subjected to a terrifying ordeal – bound and held in a headlock by the intruders. He displayed remarkable dedication to his work, and a trusting nature, unaware of the danger that lay ahead.
The following day, consumed by distress and believing he had failed to adequately resist the robbers, Oliver White tragically took his own life. Before his death, he desperately attempted to transfer his life savings – £14,000 earmarked for a flat deposit – to his employers.
Evidence presented during the trials revealed the robbers’ extensive preparation, including the theft of a getaway car, the use of false license plates, and the strategic positioning of a second vehicle. Every detail was accounted for in their calculated scheme.
Mehmet, facing a substantial debt of £190,000 to dangerous criminals he called “the firm,” initially claimed the robbery was an inside job. When he learned a £100,000 bounty had been placed on his head, he fled to Turkey with his family.
The weight of the crime and its consequences were laid bare in court. Mannix Pedro, identified as a key organizer and responsible for disposing of the stolen goods, received a 20-year sentence.
Kyle Mehmet, the perpetrator who directly confronted Oliver White, was sentenced to 18 years. Michael Holmes, who acted as a lookout during the robbery, received a 13-year sentence. Their carefully laid plans had unraveled, leading to years behind bars.
Prosecutors emphasized the profound and tragic impact of the men’s greed, not only on the business but, most devastatingly, on the life of Oliver White and the immeasurable grief of his loved ones. The case serves as a stark reminder of the far-reaching consequences of criminal actions.
