Four gang members have today been jailed for over 40 years at Preston Crown Court for conspiracy to rob cash in transit vans in the north of England, taking the total sentences for the six man gang to 58 years imprisonment. Two others were sentenced in December 2013.
Lee Seddon, Stephen Farrell, Philip Fisher, Jordan Wheeldon, Michael Bond and Robert Pinkney were charged for their involvement in a series of armed robberies of vans containing cash for ATM machines in Preston, Cleveleys, Stoke on Trent and Middlesbrough in 2011 and 2013.
Brett Gerrity, Senior Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West said: “These men were part of a Salford based organised crime gang who used sophisticated methods to monitor the movements of cash in transit vans, before striking in Preston, Cleveleys, Stoke on Trent and Middlesbrough and stealing substantial amounts of money from terrified staff.
“Members of the gang of which Lee Seddon was a pivotal member, had committed similar offences in the past. Stephen Farrell committed the offences when he was at large from prison where he was serving a sentence for conspiracy to rob. There is no doubt that they posed a significant risk of serious harm to security staff who were simply going about their daily duties.
“We have worked closely with the police in Lancashire, Teeside and Staffordshire to build strong cases against all the defendants resulting in them pleading guilty to the charges they faced. CCTV and forensic evidence proved that they all played significant roles in the series of violent armed robberies.
“Robberies, such as these, are not victimless crimes; the staff who are targeted are forced to endure untold distress both during and after their ordeals. No-one should have to live in fear and misery as a result of the violent actions of others and I sincerely hope that the conclusion of this case brings all those affected a sense of justice.
“The sentences imposed upon Lee Seddon and the other members of the gang for their participation in the robberies will serve to protect the public and should act as a deterrent to others who see high value robbery as a career choice . The Crown Prosecution Service and the police are committed to working together to detect and convict gang members who see themselves as being above the law.”
Individual sentences:
Lee Seddon was today sentenced to 13 years and two months for two counts of conspiracy to rob and one count of dangerous driving.
Stephen Farrell was today sentenced to 10 years for conspiracy to rob.
Philip Fisher was today sentenced to 12 years for two counts of conspiracy to rob.
Jordan Wheeldon was today sentenced to five years and four months for conspiracy to rob.
Michael Bond was sentenced in December 2013 to 10 years and eight months imprisonment for conspiracy to rob and aggravated vehicle taking.
Robert Pinkney was sentenced in December 2013 to six years and eight months imprisonment for conspiracy to rob.