Axe robbers break guard's nose and steal cash boxes from Coventry petrol station

[dutchman]

Four men in two vehicles attacked a security van on the forecourt at Texaco in Cheylesmore



A gang of robbers armed with axes raided a security van at a Coventry petrol station.

The four men - all believed to be white - arrived at the Texaco garage on Black Prince Avenue, Cheylesmore, in two vehicles just before 10.30am on Tuesday, March 6.

They attacked a security van on the forecourt and sped off towards Dillotford Avenue with two cash boxes containing thousands of pounds.

One was found dumped in a nearby alleyway still intact and will be sent away for forensic analysis.

A security guard was taken to hospital with a suspected broke nose following the incident.

A spokesman for West Midlands Police said : “No arrests have been made at this stage, but a number of specialist teams are working on the enquiry, gathering intelligence, conducting house-to-house inquiries and trawling CCTV.

“A security guard hurt during the attack has been taken to hospital to receive treatment for a suspected broken nose and concussion.

“If you witnessed what happened, or have any information to assist the investigation, please call 101 and quote log 728 of March 6.”

Information can also be given anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at http://www.crimestoppers-uk.org

The raid comes just two days after a gang of six stole a large quantity of cigarettes from Asda in Quinton Road, Cheylesmore.

[Jock Strapp]

Should have kept his nose out of it.

[dutchman]

Violent Coventry gang behind terrifying robberies at Co-op stores and petrol station jailed



THREE members of a violent gang who carried out robberies at two Co-op stores and a petrol station, escaping with a total of more than £90,000, have all been handed extended prison sentences.

A Warwick Crown Court judge branded Ashley Bell (pictured), Marcus Cohen and Connor Sanderson as dangerous offenders after they had all pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy to rob.

Bell and Sanderson also admitted handling tobacco taken in a burglary at another supermarket, while Cohen and Sanderson admitted a house burglary and Sanderson also pleaded guilty to possessing heroin with intent to supply it.

Bell (33) of Crediton Close, Cheylesmore, Coventry, was jailed for 18 years, of which he will have to serve at least two-thirds and will then only be freed when the Parole Board considers it safe to do so.

If he is released before serving the whole sentence, he will be on licence for the rest of the term and for an extended period of four years after that.

Cohen (39) of Allen Close, Hinckley was jailed for 17 years, also with a four-year extended period of licence.

Sanderson (21) of Brathay Close, Coventry, was jailed for ten years and nine months, with an extended licence of three years and three months – and both will also have to serve two-thirds of their custodial sentences before being considered for release.

With them in the dock was Ryan Black (28) of St George’s Road, Coventry, who pleaded guilty to the burglary charge and was given an 18-month community order with 80 hours of unpaid work after spending some time in custody on remand.

Prosecutor Edward Hollingsworth added that Bell and Cohen were ‘career criminals,’ with long records for offences which included robbery, while Sanderson’s conviction included attempted robbery at a shop.

Jailing those three, Judge Potter said he found them all to be dangerous offenders and was therefore passing extended sentences on each of them.

[dutchman]

Woman who was lookout in violent Coventry petrol station robbery jailed - alongside 'dangerous offender'



A WOMAN who acted as the lookout for a gang who robbed guards of £76,000 in cash at a Coventry petrol station and a man who took part in a raid at a supermarket have been jailed.

Charlene Shaw and Thomas Bruce had both denied conspiring to commit robberies, but were found guilty following a trial at Warwick Crown Court in July.

Three members of the gang, who carried out three violent robberies in the space of three months, were given long jail terms last month, but Shaw and Bruce had their cases adjourned.

And at their resumed hearing Shaw (39) of Allen Close, Hinckley, was jailed for five years.

But Bruce (29) of St Columbas Close, Coventry, was given an extended prison sentence of 14 years in jail, of which he will have to serve at least two-thirds, and will then be on licence for the rest of the term and for an additional four years, after the judge classed him as a dangerous offender.

Sentencing Shaw and Bruce, Judge Antony Potter told them: “You know this was a conspiracy that was put into effect, and both of you were involved in an individual robbery which was one of the three carried out.

“It is quite plain these were commercial robberies which had the hallmarks of professional planning and execution.

“On each occasion those actually carrying out the robberies were careful to wear gloves and disguises, and weapons including an axe were used.

“It is clear to me that Bell and Cohen were involved at the organising part of the robberies, and neither of you played such a leading role.

“You Bruce were recruited for the first robbery, and you were well aware what your involvement would entail. You were responsible for the staff who were cable-tied, although I accept you showed some compassion.

“You Shaw were involved in the Texaco robbery. I am quite satisfied you appreciated the full nature of the operation and the role you were expected to play.

“Afterwards you cynically approached the staff to establish what they had seen and heard so you could inform Cohen what the police would be told. Yours was a trusted role.

“But I do accept you were put under pressure, and that without Mr Cohen’s involvement you would not have committed this offence.”