He was arrested in Chiswick last May following a police chase

A man who was arrested in Chiswick, after spraying three family members in the face with a noxious substance and robbing them at knife point in Northolt, has been sentenced to five years' imprisonment. Police said it had been a 'terrifying ordeal" for the victims.

Marco Madeo, 19, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to two offences of robbery, attempted robbery and dangerous driving. He has also been banned from driving for three years.

Madeo was arrested on Wednesday, 27 May on Chiswick High Road following a pursuit after failing to stop for officers. He was charged on 1 June with two offences of robbery, attempted robbery, and dangerous driving.

On Saturday, 2 May around 03:00hrs, a 52-year-old woman and her two teenage children went to the drive through of a fast food restaurant in Church Road, Northolt. As they were parked up, Madeo and three other men got out of a Mercedes and approached their car and sprayed a noxious substance through the window.

As the woman was blinded and gasping for breath due to the effects of the noxious substance she felt a knife blade across her throat and one of the suspects threatened to kill her and her children in they did not hand over their belongings. The men opened the door and took a handbag and the takeaway from the back seat. They all ran to another car in Church Road. The car did not start so they all ran off along the road.

The Mercedes was left at the scene. A balaclava was found in the Mercedes. Madeo's DNA was identified on the balaclava.

Forensic officers also examined the car of the family and a fingerprint was found inside. Madeo was identified.

He pleaded guilty at court.

Detective Constable Keran Talior said: "This was a terrifying ordeal for the victims and they continue to deal with the trauma of the robberies today, but I hope they find some reassurance in knowing that this man is now in prison serving a lengthy term in jail. I hope this investigation demonstrates that the police will do everything we can to catch those who commit violent crimes and put them before the courts."

October 9, 2015