Two men who plotted car thefts and filmed their crimes have been jailed for two violent robberies in Dartford.
Lewis Turner and Thomas Ripley orchestrated the two robberies via phone messages and then filmed their ill-gotten gains before trying to sell them on. But when officers arrested Ripley and seized his phone they found the incriminating evidence of their crimes.
The pair have been sentenced to a total of more than 13 years in prison.
The first attack took place on 4 September 2024 at about 9.40pm, when a man was parked on Dartford Heath.
After five minutes, masked men approached the car, a red Seat Ibiza, and smashed the drivers side window, punched the driver in the face and dragged him from the car. They took his car keys and then drove off in it. Four days later, on 8 September, another driver resting in a layby was targeted when a white Ford Focus pulled up beside him and asked if there was anywhere nearby to get some food. Two men then approached and dragged the victim out of the car. He was punched in the face and struck with a metal bar during the assault. They took his car keys and drove off in his Audi TT. A bank card was also stolen and used at a shop in Orpington less than an hour after the robbery.
On 13 September 2024, Ripley was arrested at his home address in Orpington where officers found the car key for the stolen Seat Leon which had false plates.
His mobile phone was seized, and messages were found between himself, Turner and a third man arranging to meet up before the offences and about the sale of the stolen car. Videos of the cars stolen just minutes before were also found.
Turner and a third man, Billy Scamp, were subsequently arrested on 3 October 2025.
Detectives used cell site data* to track the suspects’ movements and place them near the scenes. CCTV footage also showed Turner using the stolen bank card and topping up his mobile phone. Subsequently, Thomas Ripley, 29, from Orpington and Billy Scamp, 19, also from Orpington were charged with two counts of robbery. Lewis Turner, 34, from Orpington was charged with fraud by false representation.
All three admitted to the offences at earlier hearings and at Maidstone Crown Court on Wednesday 17 December they were sentenced to the following –
- Thomas Ripley was jailed for seven years and nine months.
- Lewis Turner was jailed for six years and ordered to serve an extra four years on licence after that term.
- Billy Scamp was handed a two year sentence, suspended for two years.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Daniel Bister said:
‘These were violent and premeditated attacks that left victims terrified. Thanks to the hard work of our officers, we’ve taken dangerous individuals off the streets. We remain committed to working with local communities to keep Kent safe and ensure that those who commit such crimes are held accountable.’
* Cell Site Data