Trio sentenced for armed robbery

Barry William Kirk

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Three men have yesterday, Friday 6 June, been jailed after admitting stealing cars at gunpoint after replying to adverts in vehicle trading magazines.

Barry Kirk, born 22/7/81, of Meadow Close, Heywood, was sentenced to six years and eight months imprisonment after pleading guilty to blackmail and possession of an imitation firearm at an earlier hearing.

James Samuel Hurst born 21/1/88, of Lock Close, Heywood, was given an indeterminate sentence for public protection and ordered to serve a minimum of three years 123 days after pleading guilty to blackmail, possession of an imitation firearm and robbery at an earlier hearing.

James Tatton, born 10/12/85, of Lincoln Walk, Heywood, was given an indeterminate sentence for public protection and ordered to serve a minimum of three years 123 days after pleading guilty to blackmail, possession of an imitation firearm and robbery at an earlier hearing. They were all sentenced at Bolton Crown Court.

The charges relate to three gunpoint robberies across Lancashire, Greater Manchester and Cheshire on 4 and 5 October 2007.

In all three cases the men replied to adverts for private sale cars posted in vehicle trading magazines.

They arrived at the victim's house, showed an interest in the car and asked to go for a test drive. During the journey one of the men would then pull out a handgun and threaten the owner.

They would then steal the car, abandoning the owner by the roadside.

None of the owners were injured in the incident, but all were left terrified by their ordeal.

They stole cars from Warrington, Bolton and Accrington.

Police are now warning anyone planning to sell their vehicles in trade magazine to check on the credentials of potential sellers.

Detective Inspector Andrew Cunliffe of Bolton CID said: "The victims went along innocently to meet these men in the hope of selling their cars.

"However, they were instead subjected to a terrifying gunpoint robbery in their own car. These left a trail of destruction in their wake over the course of two days and I hope these sentences act as a deterrent.

"I would also like to remind anyone selling their car privately to take every precaution possible to ensure they build up a good picture of the potential buyer.

"If in any doubt, call the deal off immediately."