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13/02/2008
Police 'Sting' Foils Career Bank Robbers
In one of a series of such undercover operations, a policeman dressed as a cash in transit security guard, was instrumental in bringing robbers to justice this week.
Two brothers who were part of a four-man armed-gang have been jailed for a total of 11 years.
Belfast Crown Court heard that last year, Damien Gibbons, 32, grabbed a cash box from what he thought was a G4 Securicor guard outside the Northern Bank in Finaghy, south Belfast.
In fact, the robbery was the finale of a well planned police undercover operation as the guard was a policeman.
He then chased Gibbons to a waiting van, driven by his brother, Stephen, 34.
Aided by police colleagues who used their vehicle to block the getaway vehicle, both men were arrested after a scuffle.
As a result, the brothers - both with no fixed address - pleaded guilty to robbery.
Damien Gibbons also admitted a further charge of attempting to inflict grievous bodily harm with intent.
A prosecuting lawyer told the court that Damien Gibbons had 165 previous convictions while his brother had 295.
Two other men who were arrested nearby - David Crone, 25 of no fixed address and Declan Stilges, 33, from Norglen Parade in Belfast.
They have also pleaded guilty to the robbery and are due to be sentenced next month.
(BMcC)
Two brothers who were part of a four-man armed-gang have been jailed for a total of 11 years.
Belfast Crown Court heard that last year, Damien Gibbons, 32, grabbed a cash box from what he thought was a G4 Securicor guard outside the Northern Bank in Finaghy, south Belfast.
In fact, the robbery was the finale of a well planned police undercover operation as the guard was a policeman.
He then chased Gibbons to a waiting van, driven by his brother, Stephen, 34.
Aided by police colleagues who used their vehicle to block the getaway vehicle, both men were arrested after a scuffle.
As a result, the brothers - both with no fixed address - pleaded guilty to robbery.
Damien Gibbons also admitted a further charge of attempting to inflict grievous bodily harm with intent.
A prosecuting lawyer told the court that Damien Gibbons had 165 previous convictions while his brother had 295.
Two other men who were arrested nearby - David Crone, 25 of no fixed address and Declan Stilges, 33, from Norglen Parade in Belfast.
They have also pleaded guilty to the robbery and are due to be sentenced next month.
(BMcC)
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