Number’s up for gunmen in Operation Bingo

AN Oldham man has been convicted of plotting to carry out an armed robbery as part of a four-strong gang.

Richard Walsh (26), of Heron Street, admitted at Manchester Crown Court conspiracy to rob and handling a stolen car. He was convicted of possessing a firearm following a trial.

He also admitted similar offences for an unrelated matter.

Three other men also admitted conspiracy to rob. They were his brother Jonathon Walsh (28), of Dobrook Close, Newton Heath, Manchester, who also admitted, dangerous driving and handling a stolen car. He was convicted of possessing a firearm.

Gavin Noakes (30), of National Drive, Ordsall, Salford, also admitted dangerous driving and possession of a firearm.

William Moore (28), of Phoebe Street, Ordsall, Salford also admitted handling a stolen car and was convicted of possessing a firearm. No date for sentence has been fixed.

The operation, code-named Operation Bingo, involved officers from GMP’s Surveillance Unit, Robbery Unit, Firearms Unit and Force Intelligence Branch and was a proactive, intelligence-led investigation.

The Walsh brothers and Noakes were arrested in the Co-op car park in Blackburn Road, Haslingden, in September, 2009.

Noakes was shot at by armed officers after he drove at officers and police cars in an attempt to get away. Moore was arrested a few days later.

The discharge of the firearms is subject to an IPCC independent investigation.