A man from Maidstone was among a gang of 30 thieves sentenced to a total of 130 years in prison for a series of armed raids across the country.

James Stewart, 28, of Mackenzie Court was the ring leader of the mob who stole jewelley and high value goods worth £3.5 million.

Frazer Hart store in Fremlins Walk was among the stores raided in February 2008.

The group made off with £30,000 but were later caught by police after their getaway van was stuck in traffic.

At Kingston-Upon-Thames Crown Court, a total of 17 gang members were sent to jail with 13 more awaiting sentence.

Stewart was convicted of 10 conspiracies to commit robbery. He was also convicted of five conspiracies to commit burglary.

He was sentenced to 14 years in jail.