Axe man jailed for terrorising Brixton diners (From Your Local Guardian)

Axe man jailed for terrorising Brixton diners

3:41pm Thursday 16th February 2012 in Top Stories By Rachel Blundy

An axe-wielding rioter who terrorised diners at a fast food restaurant enjoyed a lonely Valentine’s Day after he was handed one of the heaviest sentences of last summer’s disorder.

Karl Smith, 26, from Streatham, smashed windows at McDonald’s in Brixton Road with an axe which he stole from fire crews in Coldharbour Lane on the night of August 7, Inner London Crown court heard.

Scores of terrified customers ran out into the street as Smith struck the window three times, showering them with glass and causing about £1000 worth of damage.

He was later filmed entering the restaurant and stealing money which had spilled onto the floor from one of the overturned tills.

During his rampage, which lasted several hours, the shameless thug also led a pack of 50 youths who threw masonry at the window of William Hill Bookmakers on the same road.

He was later caught stealing bags of goods from Footlocker in Brixton Road, which had been set on fire by looters.

On Tuesday (February 14), Smith was jailed for five years and three months after he admitted various counts of burglary, criminal damage and violent disorder.

Acting Detective Inspector Dale Luke from Lambeth borough police said: “The sentence passed is the result of a dedicated and professional investigation conducted by detectives.”