A PROLIFIC offender has been jailed for eight years for his part in a gunpoint robbery in Peterborough.

Kamali Bennett, 19, was locked up at Peterborough Crown Court on Thursday after being convicted of the robbery in a flat, in the city’s St Mary’s Court, on May 23.

Bennett, who has 18 convictions for 54 offences stretching back to 2003, along with Daniel Usher, Bradley Doherty and Thabiso Vanderwesthuizen burst into the home and threatened the occupants with knives and a handgun demanding a mobile phone and cash.

Bennett, of Waltham Close, Peterborough, was convicted of robbery following a trial at Peterborough Crown Court last week. It is his seventh robbery conviction.

Judge Sean Enright ruled a charge of aggravated burglary remain on his file after the jury failed to reach a verdict on the charge. He was jailed for eight years.

Usher, 23, of Eastfield Road, Doherty, 18, of Muskham, Bretton, had already pleaded guilty to robbery and were jailed for five and three years respectively.

Vanderwesthuizen, 18, of Tait Close, admitted aggravated burglary and possessing a knife, he was jailed for 15 months. The investigation was carried out by the city’s Impact Team.

Det Sgt Gordon Blair said: “This was criminality on a very high level. These four thought they were above the law and burst in to someone’s home brandishing knives and a handgun.

“The group caused significant damage to the flat, the victims must have been terrified and in fear for their lives.

“Bennett in particular has been a prolific criminal over many years and, despite many intervention attempts to curb his offending, has continued with his disregard for the law.

“This should send a strong message to those people who persistently think they can offend and get away with it.”