Armed robber recaptured

Kevin Smith, 28, was convicted of conspiracy to commit armed robbery and firearms offences at the Inner London Crown Court on 21 February. He was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment but escaped whilst being transferred from the court building to a Securicor vehicle.

He was arrested just after 10pm on 4 September in a joint operation between the Flying Squad at Tower Bridge and the Met's firearms unit at a flat in Mottingham.

Officers recovered a semi-automatic pistol, ammunition and body armour at the address.

A woman aged in her late 30s was also arrested at the address on suspicion of harbouring a fugitive. She has been bailed to return to Bromley police station on 30 October.

Smith was originally arrested in June 2002 following inquiries by the Flying Squad. He had been kept in custody since being charged for those offences. His three co-defendants were convicted of robbery offences and sentenced to 13, 12 and five years imprisonment.

Smith appeared at Camberwell Green Magistrates Court on Saturday charged with escaping lawful custody, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, possession of ammunition with intent to endanger life and possession of a firearm whilst being a prohibited person.