A JEWELLER whose shop was looted during the August disturbances says a one year sentence handed down to one of the men responsible is too lenient.

Eighteen-year-old Jordy Mantuzolo, of Tine Road in Hainault, was sentenced at Wood Green Crown Court on September 20.

He was given 12 months in a young offenders institution after pleading guilty to burglary and handling stolen goods.

Mantuzolo was part of the gang who smashed their way into Richard Miles Jeweller’s shop on George Lane on August 8, stealing thousands of pounds worth of jewellery.

Mantuzolo fled the scene with several other looters, jumping into a waiting car on nearby Marlborough Road.

Police, who had been called to the scene gave chase to the car, before the driver lost control of the vehicle on Broadmead Road.

The looters scattered, but Mantuzolo was subsequently arrested.

Dinesh Dewchand and his family rushed to their shop on the night of the attack after neighbours had told them what was happening, and Mr Dewchand says they are still recovering from the ordeal.

Speaking after hearing of Mantuzolo’s sentence, he added: “One year is nothing for what he did.

“He should be hanged.

“My blood boils over when I think of what happened to us.”

Mr Dewchand’s shop wasn’t the only business to be attacked in South Woodford that evening.

Thugs also tried to smash their way into the Nationwide building society on George Lane.

And on Woodford Green High Road, carpet shop owner Tony Harris was awoken by the smell of smoke after his shop, Woodford Carpet Shop, was firebombed.

Mr Harris is still repairing the damage to his business.

He hopes to be able to reopen the shop by the end of next month, but says he doubts anyone will ever be brought to justice for the attack.

He explained: “They’ll probably never be caught, because the whole shop went up in smoke and there were no fingerprints.

“It’s just one of those things. I don’t feel bitter about it.

“I imagine it was probably kids who just got caught up in something.

“We’ll get back on our feet again.”

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