13/02/2008
Police 'Sting' Foils Career Bank Robbers
In one of a series of such undercover operations, a policeman dressed as a cash in transit security guard, was instrumental in bringing robbers to justice this week.
Two brothers who were part of a four-man armed-gang have been jailed for a total of 11 years.
Belfast Crown Court heard that last year, Damien Gibbons, 32, grabbed a cash box from what he thought was a G4 Securicor guard outside the Northern Bank in Finaghy, south Belfast.
In fact, the robbery was the finale of a well planned police undercover operation as the guard was a policeman.
He then chased Gibbons to a waiting van, driven by his brother, Stephen, 34.
Aided by police colleagues who used their vehicle to block the getaway vehicle, both men were arrested after a scuffle.
As a result, the brothers - both with no fixed address - pleaded guilty to robbery.
Damien Gibbons also admitted a further charge of attempting to inflict grievous bodily harm with intent.
A prosecuting lawyer told the court that Damien Gibbons had 165 previous convictions while his brother had 295.
Two other men who were arrested nearby - David Crone, 25 of no fixed address and Declan Stilges, 33, from Norglen Parade in Belfast.
They have also pleaded guilty to the robbery and are due to be sentenced next month.
(BMcC)
Two brothers who were part of a four-man armed-gang have been jailed for a total of 11 years.
Belfast Crown Court heard that last year, Damien Gibbons, 32, grabbed a cash box from what he thought was a G4 Securicor guard outside the Northern Bank in Finaghy, south Belfast.
In fact, the robbery was the finale of a well planned police undercover operation as the guard was a policeman.
He then chased Gibbons to a waiting van, driven by his brother, Stephen, 34.
Aided by police colleagues who used their vehicle to block the getaway vehicle, both men were arrested after a scuffle.
As a result, the brothers - both with no fixed address - pleaded guilty to robbery.
Damien Gibbons also admitted a further charge of attempting to inflict grievous bodily harm with intent.
A prosecuting lawyer told the court that Damien Gibbons had 165 previous convictions while his brother had 295.
Two other men who were arrested nearby - David Crone, 25 of no fixed address and Declan Stilges, 33, from Norglen Parade in Belfast.
They have also pleaded guilty to the robbery and are due to be sentenced next month.
(BMcC)
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A man has been arrested in connection with an armed robbery in west Belfast. The robbery happened at a shop on Caffrey Avenue at around 9.30pm on Tuesday, 27 February. The suspect threatened a member of staff and made off with a sum of cash and cigarettes. He was arrested on Wednesday, 28 February, and has been detained in police custody.
Man Arrested Over Armed Robbery In West Belfast
A man has been arrested in connection with an armed robbery in west Belfast. The robbery happened at a shop on Caffrey Avenue at around 9.30pm on Tuesday, 27 February. The suspect threatened a member of staff and made off with a sum of cash and cigarettes. He was arrested on Wednesday, 28 February, and has been detained in police custody.
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Armed robbery in Newtownabbey
Police in Newtownabbey have appealed for information following an armed robbery earlier today. The incident happened at around 9.30am this morning, when a security guard making a delivery to a bank in the Abbott's Cross area of the town, was approached by a man armed with a knife.
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Security guard injured in city robbery
Police have appealed for information following the robbery of a security van in south Belfast earlier today. It is understood that a security van was making delivery to the Ulster Bank on the Ormeau Road in the south of the city just after 11am today, when the incident happened.
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Security guard robbed by knifepoint
Detectives in north Belfast have appealed for information following the robbery of a cash and transit vehicle earlier today. Police have said that the security guard was making a delivery to premises on York Road, close to the junction with Midland close, just before 10.30am, when he was approached by a man armed with a knife.
Security guard robbed by knifepoint
Detectives in north Belfast have appealed for information following the robbery of a cash and transit vehicle earlier today. Police have said that the security guard was making a delivery to premises on York Road, close to the junction with Midland close, just before 10.30am, when he was approached by a man armed with a knife.
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