Terror raid gang members jailed

MACHETE-WIELDING gang members who terrorised victims and stole their car keys across Oldham and other parts of Greater Manchester in a six-week crime spree have been jailed.

Six members of the gang, aged 19 to 26, admitted 16 offences of burglary, robbery and theft at Manchester Crown Court.

During March and April last year, police noticed a rise in aggravated robberies and burglaries and suspected the same group could be responsible.

Victims were threatened with weapons such as machetes as cars were stolen in Oldham, Stockport and Rochdale. Some homes were burgled more than three times by the gang.

In one incident, Paul and Pauline Dillon and their two adult children were disturbed when they heard banging at the front door of their house on Belmont Road, Gately.

Four masked men stormed into the house and told Mrs Dillon to get down, while another held a knife to Mr Dillon’s throat.

The offenders demanded the keys to the family’s Subaru and Vauxhall Vectra.

Both cars were driven away and written off moments later.

Kane Barratt (20), of Heathland Terrace, Stockport, was given an indeterminate sentence with a minimum of five years and six months in jail. He will be on licence for life.

Barratt admitted to two counts of robbery and three counts of burglary.

Mark William Bresnahan (26), of Bempton Close, Offerton, admitted two counts of burglary. He was sentenced to 22 months in jail.

Christopher Carroll (19), of Yewdale Drive, Middleton, pleaded guilty to burglary, theft, and attempted robbery. He was jailed for 16 months.

Simon Carr (19), of York Road East, Middleton, admitted theft, handling stolen goods and dangerous driving. He was sentenced to 18 months in jail.

Paul Steven Shaw (23), of Kirkstone Road, Middleton, admitted three counts of burglary. He was sentenced to four years in jail.

Anthony Wayne Sampson (23), of Clwyd Avenue, Edgeley, Stockport, admitted two burglaries, attempted burglary and handling stolen goods. He was jailed for fours years.

Det Sgt Melani Linton, who led Operation Recessed to catch the gang, said: “The victims were terrorised by a group who showed that they were willing to threaten violence to get what they wanted.

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