Judge jails gang that hit 'soft' targets
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.First Edition
FOUR members of a gang which terrorised staff and customers in armed raids on post offices and building societies were yesterday jailed for a total of 51 years.
The gang stole more than 100,000 in nine robberies and a series of burglaries in Bristol over a 19-month period.
Judge Colin Willis, sitting at Bristol Crown Court, sentenced Simon Jackson, 26, Michael Arthur, 28, and Stephen Green, 27, to 13 years each.
Albert Sullivan, 30 - the only gang member with no criminal record - was jailed for 12 years.
All had admitted conspiring to commit robberies and having firearms with criminal intent between August 1991 and November 1992.
The judge said the crimes required deterrent sentences, particularly as they involved raids on 'soft target' building societies and post offices.
No one was hurt in the raids although one shot was fired into the ceiling during a bank robbery and the judge They were caught after police bugged the flat where Jackson and Arthur lived, in Royal York Villas, Clifton, Bristol, and listened in on the gang's raid plans. They were arrested within minutes of their final robbery on the Bristol and West building society in Clifton in November 1992.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments