Knife robbery gang jailed

Simon Carr of York Road East, Middleton, pleaded guilty to theft, handling stolen goods and dangerous driving

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Six gang members who were behind a series of robberies and burglaries have been put behind bars.

The gang embarked on a six-week crime spree, breaking into a number of homes and terrorising victims across Rochdale, Oldham Bury and Stockport.

Manchester Crown Court heard how the thugs admitted responsibility for 16 offences between March and April 2008.

In one incident on Wednesday 26 March 2008, three men wearing balaclavas, including Christopher Carroll, approached the back door of Positive Solutions on Manchester Road in Middleton.

Two of the men went inside and demanded that members of staff hand over their car keys. One of the men threatened to stab the victims.

The victims said that they didn't have any keys. The offenders backed off, and then ran out of the premises onto Manchester Road.

Detective Sergeant Melani Linton, who has led Operation Recessed, said: "Today's result is the culmination of a lot of hard work from officers all over the force.

"The victims were terrorised by a group who showed that they were willing to threaten violence to get what they wanted.

"This was a crime spree undertaken by an organised group of robbers. We would, however, like to reassure all of our communities that we have caught up with these offenders and that they now face a lengthy time behind bars.

"This result will, I am sure, send a strong message to anyone who tries to commit similar crimes.

"Greater Manchester Police is committed to safeguarding people from criminals such as these who do not hesitate to threaten people with violence to achieve their aims."

• Kane Barratt, 20, of Heathland Terrace, Stockport, pleaded guilty to two counts of robbery and three counts of burglary. He has been sentenced to an indeterminate sentence for public protection to serve a minimum term of five years and six months in jail. Following his release he will be on licence for life.
• Mark William Bresnahan, 26, of Bempton Close, Offerton, pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary. He has been sentenced to 22 months in jail.
• Christopher Carroll, 19, of Yewdale Drive, Middleton, pleaded guilty to burglary, theft and attempted robbery. He has been sentenced to 16 months in jail.
• Simon Carr, 19, of York Road East, Middleton, pleaded guilty to theft, handling stolen goods and dangerous driving. He has been sentenced to 18 months in jail.
• Paul Steven Shaw, 23, of Kirkstone Road, Middleton, pleaded guilty to three counts of burglary. He has been sentenced to four years in jail.
• Anthony Wayne Sampson, 23,of Clwyd Avenue, Edgeley pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary, attempted burglary and handling stolen goods. He has been sentenced to four years in jail.