THREE masked men who attacked a man in Shinfield and fled with cash and drugs have been convicted and sentenced for robbery.

Muhammed Faraz Akram, aged 25, of Southcote Lane, Reading, Samir Sheikh, aged 36 of Wildmoor Lane, Hook, Hampshire, and Gareth Inglis, aged 39 of Grafton Road, Reading, were all convicted of one count of robbery by unanimous jury at Reading Crown Court, following a 14-day-trial.

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On Friday (October 23) the three men were sentenced at Reading Crown Court.

Akram was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment, with Inglis and Sheikh both being handed prison terms of four years’ and nine months.

The convictions are in connection with a robbery they carried out at a residence in Shinfield.

Police said at around 10pm on Thursday, February 13, 2020, the three men entered the residence, all wearing face coverings, one of whom was in possession of a knife.

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They assaulted a man in his thirties, who suffered bruising and swelling to his cheek.

The punches to the victim’s face caused an earring to be pulled out of his ear, and he also sustained scratches to his neck where he was held.

There were two women at the address, one of which was subjected to a physical assault. Neither sustained any injuries.

The men left the property with a small quantity of cash and drugs.

The men were arrested on the same day (February 13) and then charged the next day.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Rebecca Cartwright of Thames Valley Police said: “We take offences of this nature very seriously.

“This was an offence someone suffered injury and I am satisfied that having been convicted and sentenced by the courts, these individuals will be off the streets and no longer a threat to the public.

“I hope that this outcome serves as a reminder that if you choose to involve yourself in violent crime we will investigate fully, we will arrest you and we will seek to bring you before the courts.”