Four people have been jailed for a total of 28-years after they were found guilty of robbery and conspiracy to rob involving cash security vans in Leamington in August and September 2009.

Two others were also found guilty of involvement in the incidents, but sentence was adjourned pending further unrelated trials.

On 20 August 2009 at shortly before 1am cash security guards arrived at the Halifax Bank on The Parade in Leamington and were attacked by a group of males as they replenished the cash machine. The gang stole approximately £80,000 in cash before driving off in a silver Audi car.

In the early hours of 2 September 2009 a cash security van en route to Leamington from Coventry reported that it appeared to be being followed by a silver car.

Police escorted the security van to its delivery point while other officers located the silver car in Beauchamp Avenue. The two males were taken to Leamington police station for questioning. Meanwhile a second vehicle, a black Ford Mondeo was also stopped by police and overalls, ski masks and gloves were found inside. A link was also found between the two vehicles and the occupants were arrested.

Shawn Irwin, 39 years, of Cobden Street, Coventry and Joseph Martin 27-years of Chelsey Road, Coventry were both found guilty of robbery and conspiracy to rob and were each sentenced to eight years plus two years to run consecutively.

Shane Stojsavjevic 29-years of Hermes Crescent, Coventry and Andrew Ross 21-years of Woodway Lane, Woodend, Coventry both received four year sentenced after they were found guilty of conspiracy to rob a cash security van.

A 26-year old male, who was found guilty of both offences and a 25-year old male, found guilty of the conspiracy to rob charge, have had sentencing adjourned until further hearings have taken place.

Detective Sergeant Alan Townsend from Warwickshire Police Major Investigation Unit, who was involved in the investigation said, “This was a complex and protracted investigation over a number of years that required persistence by the investigation team, and their efforts and dedication have paid off with the offenders receiving lengthy prison sentences.”

Ends

Photographs of the four who were sentenced at Warwick Crown Court on Thursday 26 July, are attached.