A GANG who stabbed an innocent passer-by and committed a series of smash and grab burglaries at ATM machines across Merseyside of have been sentenced to more than 20 years collectively in prison.

Between January 7 and July 11, 2017 the gang arrived at the scenes in an Audi or Mercedes car with cloned number plates, forced entry to premises and attacked ATM machines to steal the cash inside.

The gang also rented an industrial premises in Birkenhead where they stored equipment, stolen cars and weapons.

In total six men pleaded guilty to seven offences and were sentenced today (Monday) at Liverpool Crown Court.

David O'Brien, 35, of Fincham Close, Huyton and Stephen Roberts, 38,  of Wilson Road, Prescot were both sentenced to five years and five months for conspiracy to commit burglary.

Les McStein, 34, of Oxford Road, Egremont, was sentenced to six years for conspiracy to commit burglary.

Craig Dobbins, 36, of Airdale Close, Beechwood was sentenced three years and six months for conspiracy to commit burglary.

Craig Brennan, 33, of Farmfield Drive, Beechwood, was sentenced to 10 months for attempted burglary of a commercial premises.

John Huntington, 21, of Ganneys Meadow Road, Woodchurch, was given a two year suspended sentence and 175 hours community order for conspiracy to commit burglary.

Detective inspector Mike Dalton said: “I am delighted that we have managed to put this gang behind bars for a number of serious offences.

“These are not victimless crimes.

"These individuals have, when confronted by police officers or members of the public, used violence to ensure they were not detained.

“They have pre-armed themselves with bricks and when confronted by police officers thrown them at police vehicles to facilitate their escape.

“On one occasion they assaulted a member of the public who was simply passing by.

"The victim received ten stitches to a laceration to his hand caused by a knife and also a broken nose.

“Thankfully they are now behind bars where they belong.”

The gang pleaded guilty to the following incidents:

  • January 7, 2017 - McNaughton Newsagents, Woolton Road, Childwall
  • April 8, 2017 – Post Office, Grove Road, Wallasey
  • April 15, 2017 – Post Office, Teehey Lane, Bebington
  • May 24, 2017 – Premier News, Village Road, Heswall
  • June 17, 2017 – Aldi, Neston, Cheshire
  • July 6, 2017 – Post Office, St Paul’s Road, Seacombe
  • July 11, 2017 – Aldi, Port Causeway, Bebington