Pair jailed following terrifying and intrusive robberies in Rochdale

Martin Gentle and Darren Fay

Yesterday (Monday 15 January) two men appeared at Minshull Crown Court to be sentenced to almost 19 years in jail for robbery and attempt robbery, after pleading guilty at an earlier hearing.

Darren Fay, 36, has been jailed for ten years, with a two year and six months extended license for robbery and attempted robbery.

Martin Gentle, 36, has been jailed for eight years and six months, with a two year and six months extended license for robbery.

The first incident occurred on 12 April 2023. The victim was visiting his father on The Cloisters, Rochdale, when he heard a knock at the door around 8pm. As he answered the door, Fay and Gentle barged past him into the house.

They pushed the victim and demanded money and mobile phones. Despite urging the men to leave, concerned for his elderly father who was a double amputee, Fay and Gentle went upstairs.

They entered the father’s bedroom, who having heard a commotion had awoken and got into his wheelchair. Fay dragged him out of his wheelchair and onto the floor whilst they ransacked his room, stealing two mobile phones, cash, bank cards and a set of keys, before fleeing the scene.

An investigation was swiftly launched by Rochdale’s Neighbourhood Task Force to identify the offenders, and the pair were arrested but bailed pending further enquiries. 

On 13 July, Fay struck again. As a man walked towards Rochdale town centre on the phone to his mother, he was approached by Fay who demanded the victim handed over his wallet and phone. The victim complied, but despite giving him what he wanted, Fay attacked the victim, punching and kicking him on the ground before emptying the victim’s wallet of cash.

After receiving the report, police began a search for Fay who they suspected may be involved. He was arrested just hours later, and subsequently charged and remanded.

Inspector Graham Cooke from GMP Rochdale district said: “These offences were incredibly intrusive, disrespectful, and outright terrifying for those involved. 

“Fay and Gentle had no remorse for the innocent people that they targeted whilst trying to make some quick cash, so I am relieved that they are now behind bars for the foreseeable, unable to cause harm in our community.

“A timely and comprehensive investigation by officers from our Neighbourhood Task Force secured all the necessary evidence which ultimately left the pair with no choice but to plead guilty.

“These types of crimes have lasting impacts on victims, but I hope that they will be able to take some comfort from knowing that these men are now facing significant prison sentences.”