The two Syrian men who committed three robberies in Geleen in December must serve five and six years in prison, according to a judge.

The duo struck at a liquor store, a snack bar and a supermarket within 47 hours.

Rooftop tour

The rampage began on Friday, December 6, when liquor store Gall & Gall on Rijksweg Zuid was raided. Snackpoint in the Rembrandtlaan was raided one day later, and another day later the Aldi in the Jos Klijnenlaan was raided. At the liquor store and the supermarket the robbers managed to take money, at the snack bar the robbers left without loot.

The December 8 Aldi robbery was the duo's last job; on the following Monday, Saleh A. (22) and his associate Ayas I. (20) were apprehended.

Drinking in courage

Saleh confessed to the police his part in the robberies. He said he planned the robberies together with Ayas, even scouted the area first, gave himself courage and used drugs, left home with weapons and did the deed.

His associate firmly denied: "Maybe he did that with other people, but I wasn't there."

Severe penalties

The court heavily charged the manner in which they committed the robberies. For example, in all cases a lot of violence was used and victims were threatened with weapons. The fact that the two are refugees also works heavily, according to the court. "In the Netherlands, the suspects were offered safe shelter and living expenses. The suspects sought a safe haven in the Netherlands, but they are now here making the lives of others unsafe and showing no respect for the hospitality offered to them."

Penalties

Saleh A. is ordered by the court to serve five years in prison, his associate Ayas I. is ordered by the judge to serve an additional year. He is charged with "not taking any responsibility for his actions and showing no remorse towards the victims.