In the first attack on September 4 2024, Thomas Ripley, 29, and Lewis Turner, 34, from Orpington approached a parked Seat Ibiza on Dartford Heath wearing masks.
They smashed the driver’s side window, punched the driver in the face and dragged him from the Seat. They took his car keys and then drove off in it.
Four days later, on September 8, another driver was resting in a layby when a white Ford Focus pulled up beside him and asked if there was anywhere nearby to get some food.
Two men then approached and dragged the victim out of the car.
He was punched in the face and struck with a metal bar before they took his car keys and drove off in his Audi TT.
A bank card was also stolen and used at a shop in Orpington less than an hour after the robbery.
On September 13 2024 Ripley was arrested at his home address in Orpington where officers found the car key for the stolen Seat Leon which had false plates.
His mobile phone was seized, and messages were found between himself, Turner and a third man, Billy Scamp, arranging to meet up before the offences and about the sale of the stolen car.
Videos of the cars stolen just minutes before were also found.
Turner and Scamp were subsequently arrested on October 3 2025.
Detectives used cell site data to track the suspects’ movements and place them near the scenes.
CCTV footage also showed Turner using the stolen bank card and topping up his mobile phone.
Subsequently, Ripley, from Star Lane, Orpington and Billy Scamp, 19, from Eridge Green Close, Orpington were charged with two counts of robbery.
Turner, from Longbury Drive, Orpington was charged with fraud by false representation.
All three admitted to the offences at earlier hearings and at Maidstone Crown Court on December 17 they were sentenced.
- Thomas Ripley was jailed for seven years and nine months.
- Lewis Turner was jailed for six years and ordered to serve an extra four years on licence after that term.
- Billy Scamp was handed a two year sentence, suspended for two years.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Daniel Bister said: “These were violent and premeditated attacks that left victims terrified.
“Thanks to the hard work of our officers, we’ve taken dangerous individuals off the streets.
“We remain committed to working with local communities to keep Kent safe and ensure that those who commit such crimes are held accountable.”
