Seven people charged following dawn raids in Oldham

The lady justice

Seven people, including five from Oldham and one from Rochdale, have appeared before Magistrates charged with numerous offences following a series of dawn raids in Oldham last week.

As part of an investigation, named Operation Handsford, the men are accused of being part of gang who police believe were involved in as many as 120 offences including aggravated burglary, robbery, car theft, assault, violent disorder and criminal damage.

29-year old Clifton McGowan, from Wrigley Head in Oldham and 35-year old Lee Robinson, of no fixed address, appeared at Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court on Saturday (18th May).

They’ve been remanded in custody to appear at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court on Friday 14th June.

Both McGowan and Robinson are charged with conspiracy to commit burglary and conspiracy to commit theft.

Robinson has also been charged with dangerous driving.

Four others including 28-year old Samuel Locke, from Whetstone Hill, 28-year old Keiran Daubney, from Near Birches Parade, 38-year old Stephen Anderson, of Grampion Cloe and 30-year old Carl Burke, from Ashton Road, all appeared before Magistrates on Friday (17th May).

Locke, Daubney and Burke have also been charged with conspiracy to steal motor vehicles while Daubney is further charged with robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery.

All four men have been remanded in custody to appear at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court on Friday 14th June.

22-year old Kieran Pollitt, from Milnrow Precent in Milnrow, also appeared at Magistrates Court on Friday (17th May) charged with conspiracy to commit burglary, he’s been bailed to appear at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court on Friday 14th June.

A 21-year old woman who was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender has been released under investigation pending further enquiries.

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.