Gambling thieves who blew stolen funds jailed for 28 years
Date published: 03 July 2023
In total, the group stole almost £260,000
Three men - including one from neighbouring Tameside - have been jailed following a series of armed robberies targeting cash in transit drivers.
In total, the group stole almost £260,000.
Liam McCloy (aged 35), from Tameside, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery and was jailed for six years
Paul Dunn (34), from Hulme, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery and was jailed for 14 years and three months
Nathan Kennedy (42), from Trafford, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery and was jailed for seven years and seven months.
As the investigation developed, the gang were identified and linked to their crimes by their MO.
Each time, the guard was attacked by the masked group with an axe.
Whilst they tried to cover their tracks by hiring rental cars and wearing balaclavas, days after each robbery, money was deposited into Dunn’s and Kennedy’s bank account, leaving a paper trail of the crimes and leading detectives straight to their doorsteps.
However, their high of hitting the jackpot was short lived as Dunn gambled away the stolen cash with little success.
On returning from a family holiday, Liam McCloy was arrested on the plane when it landed.
After attempting to hide his phone, officers recovered the device which had phone numbers saved that were attributed to Kennedy and Dunn.
Further examination of his phone showed he’d tried to delete dozens of incriminating messages between them.
On Thursday, August 11, 2022, officers executed three warrants across Greater Manchester and arrested Paul Dunn on suspicion of being involved in the series of robberies.
On Wednesday, August 31, 2022, officers arrested Nathan Kennedy, after an unsuccessful attempt to hide his phone, officers uncovered multiple messages to Dunn and McCloy which fit the timeline of offences.
An additional £1000 was also found hidden in his house.
Detective Inspector Rick Castley, from GMP Serious Organised Crime Group, said: “Working with our partners across the region, we’re determined to stop these types of offences.
"It is categorically not an easy way to make money, and it isn’t a victimless crime.
"This was a series of terrifying incidents that saw members of the public, who were simply doing their job, seriously assaulted by masked men armed with weapons and scared for their lives.
“Their robbery spree days are now over following an extensive investigation and I hope these sentencings send out a clear message – no matter how organised and sophisticated a gang may think they are – we will track down offenders and bring them to justice."
Sarah Staff, Director of the British Security Industry Association and Head of SaferCash, said: “This series of robberies involved extreme violence against staff whilst they carried out ATM replenishments.
“SaferCash works closely with Greater Manchester Police and their cash and valuables in transit members to support these investigations as the ongoing safety of their staff is paramount.
"The sentences received here reflects the seriousness of this offending and on behalf of the industry I would thank all those involved in this investigation for their tireless work in apprehending those involved.”
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