TWO men have been jailed for more than 12 years for a series of raids on cash machines across the North East – including three incidents in Darlington.
James Fairburn and Stuart Penney, both 37, were jailed for a combined 26 and a half years at Leeds Crown Court after pleading guilty to charges of conspiracy to steal and conspiracy to cause an explosion.
The charges followed an investigation into seven attacks on cash machines in the region, including three in Darlington – most notably the attack outside Matalan in September 2017 which involved the use of explosives.
The explosion was heard from two miles away after the blast in Neasham Road at around 1.20am.
A cash machine outside Matalan on Neasham Road in Darlington which appears to have been blown up over night. Picture: CHRIS BOOTH
A cash machine outside Matalan on Neasham Road in Darlington which appears to have been blown up over night. Picture: CHRIS BOOTH
A cash machine outside Matalan on Neasham Road in Darlington which appears to have been blown up over night. Picture: CHRIS BOOTH
A cash machine outside Matalan on Neasham Road in Darlington which appears to have been blown up over night. Picture: CHRIS BOOTH
Debris from the explosion was seen scattered over a 50ft area of the car park surrounding the Matalan store, whilst staff from neighbouring shops helped the debris when outside their premises as they attempted to carry on with business as usual.
The pair were also involved in an incident that took place outside the Heron Foods store on Cockerton Green in February 2018.
The pair filled the free-standing machine with gas, which was then deliberately ignited, before making off with a five-figure sum of cash.
One woman, who asked not to be named, said at the time: "I've never heard anything like it. I shot up straight in bed."
Thieves have targeted a free standing cash machine near the Heron Foods store in the Cockerton Green area of Darlington Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT
Thieves have targeted a free standing cash machine near the Heron Foods store in the Cockerton Green area of Darlington Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT
Thieves have targeted a free standing cash machine near the Heron Foods store in the Cockerton Green area of Darlington Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT
Another who lived opposite the scene, said: "I heard a big bang but just thought that it was fireworks at first. When I looked out of the window, I could see crowds of people out on the streets."
Overall, between October 2017 and February 2018, Fairburn, of Union Road, Low Moor, and Penney, of Celandine Close, Darlington, pumped gases into cash machines to cause an explosion, causing thousands of pounds of damage to buildings and businesses housing the machines, and resulting in more than £300,000 being stolen.
Following an investigation by Yorkshire and Humber Regional Organised Crime Unit, the pair were arrested in February 2018, and searches of their homes led to the discovery of thousands of pounds in cash, mobile phones, and evidence both were living well beyond their means thanks to their ill-gotten gains.
They were charged with offences of conspiracy to cause an explosion, conspiracy to steal, conspiracy to commit burglary and conspiracy to enter/be concerned in the acquisition of criminal property.
Both men admitted their crimes in court, and Fairburn was jailed for 12 and a half years. Penney was handed a 14 year jail term, which included an 18 month sentence for dangerous driving.
Following the sentencing, Detective Chief Inspector Andy Howard, of Yorkshire and Humber Regional Organised Crime Unit, said: “These men used dangerous methods to cause explosions in cash machines at petrol stations and convenience stores, not caring whether anyone was injured or seriously hurt in their series of reckless attacks.
“The explosive force produced was devastating and severely damaged the buildings housing these machines – a number of which were situated in residential areas, causing a significant impact on business owners and the community.
“I would like to thank the efforts of my team and everyone who assisted with the investigation."
--
Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
You can also follow our dedicated Darlington Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.
For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.
Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel