Armed gang pays price for foiled cash raid

Reporter: JANICE BARKER
Date online: 03 September 2010

An armed robber from Oldham was part of a gang foiled by police as they targeted cash delivery vans.

Officers swooped on Richard Walsh (26), of Heron Street, and the gang as they met up in stolen cars in a car park in Haslingden, Lancashire.

Manchester Crown Court heard how driver Gavin Noakes (30), from Salford, was shot three times as he repeatedly drove a Mini car at officers to get away.

Walsh, his brother Jonathon (22), of Dobrook Close, Newton Heath, Noakes, and a fourth robber, William Moore (28), of Salford, were all jailed after admitting conspiracy to rob.

The gang was spotted last September in an Audi watching a cash delivery van in Baguley but told police they were waiting for a friend.

Later the same day, the gang collected a Mini and BMW — stolen in Heald Green — and fitted false plates.

Police swooped after watching them drive to a car park in Haslingden the following day.

A loaded gun, silencer, sledgehammer and balaclava were found in the Mini.

Richard Walsh admitted handling a stolen car and was convicted of possessing an imitation firearm.

He also admitted handling a stolen car, supplying Class A drugs and possessing a firearm with intent to commit a robbery. He was jailed for 10-and-a-half-years.

Noakes admitted dangerous driving and possession of a firearm. He was jailed for eight-and-a-half years and convicted of an unrelated robbery in Leeds.

Jonathon Walsh admitted dangerous driving and handling a stolen car and was convicted of possessing a firearm. He was ailed for 14 years.

Moore admitted handling a stolen car and was convicted of possessing a firearm and was jailed for seven years and nine months.

Detective Sergeant Chris Mossop, from the Force Robbery Unit, said: “We take pride in being every robber’s worst nightmare.

“They have rightly been given lengthy sentences and the message to other criminal gangs is crystal clear — we have dedicated teams working around the clock to find you and bring you to justice.

“When you are caught you will go to prison for a very long time.”