A GANG of jewellery thieves have been jailed for a total of 27 years, after a raid in the New Forest.

Sergiu Popirtac, 39, of Hatfield, Hertfordshire, and two other men, Tudorel Dogaru, 44, and Mugerel Megelea, 37, both of no fixed address, were later arrested in connection with the raid at Barry Papworth in Lymington last year.

Today at Southampton Crown Court, they were sent to prison for the crime, during which the owner of the shop, David Price, thought he was going to be shot as he was made to get down on his knees as the gang robbed the store around him.

Tudorel Dogaru, 44, was sentenced to 13 years while his accomplices, Murgerel Megelea, 37, and Sergiu Popirtac, 39, were sent down for seven years each.

Dogaru was given a longer sentence because he was previously convicted for murder in Nuremburg in Germany, where he strangled a man with his bare hands.

He received just nine years at the time because under German law, he was treated as a juvenile as he was under 21.

Judge Ralls said: "This was a sophisticated robbery. A pre-planned commercial robbery. Many people will think Lymington is a picturesque, quiet and peaceful town in the New Forest.

"Mr Price did and he put a lot of effort and hard work and skill in building up a successful business."

The judge added: "He [Mr Price] can't stop thinking about it. He thought the trigger would be pulled, there would be no witnesses and he would not see his family again.

"I'm satisfied this was a professionally planned commercial burglary."

Refering to his previous conviction, he said of Mr Dogaru: "The fact that now many years later he is prepared to execute a robbery in a small country town makes one realise the sort of person he is.

"I've no difficulty in in coming to the conclusion that his behaviour in the past and this offence that he is regarded as dangerous and the public need to be protected in respect of him."