North Tyneside Career Criminals Jailed For 18 Years Each
Two men involved in a plot to rob security drivers delivering and collecting cash have been jailed to 18 years each. Paul Anthony Oliver and Thomas Bailey carried out sophisticated surveillance on security drivers delivering cash to convenience stores in North Tyneside. But unbeknown to the pair as they conspired to commit the robberies - (known as cash in transit) - they were being watched by police. Today, both men have been sentenced to 18 years of which 14 years custodial and the remainder on extended license. The judge deemed both men dangerous offenders; therefore they will serve a minimum of just under 10 years. Paul Anthony Oliver, 45, of Watch House Close, North Shields has been convicted with three counts of conspiracy to burgle; three counts of conspiracy to rob; robbery; possession of a firearm and ammunition. He was found guilty at Newcastle Crown Court. Thomas Bailey, 38, of Falstaff Road, North Shields has been convicted with three counts of conspiracy to burgle; three counts of conspiracy to rob; robbery; possession of a firearm and ammunition. He was found guilty at Newcastle Crown Court.
They used ski masks, violence, intimidation and weapons, and were caught out after police recorded them immediately after a robbery at the Salutation Pub in Tynemouth where more than ÂŁ20,000 was stolen. Detective Chief Inspector Paul Milner, of Northumbria Police's Crime Department, said:
"This organised crime group planned a series of armed robberies across the North Tyneside area.” "They used extremely sophisticated surveillance equipment to carry out their surveillance of the security drivers. They used a fleet of vehicles bearing false number plates they produced themselves from a stolen number plate making machine they had earlier stolen in a burglary.” "However, little did they know whilst they were conducting their surveillance we were conducting our own surveillance on them and were watching their movements.” "With the assistance of the community working together we were able to apprehend the group and put them before the courts which has led to the sentences imposed on them today.” "I'd like to take this opportunity to reassure the public, these men who clearly had the potential to be very dangerous are now behind bars and will be, for a significant amount of time.” "Northumbria Police has dedicated staff working tirelessly to disrupt and dismantle the activities of organised criminals, and we will continue to pursue anyone that is involved in organised crime." A third man and two women have also been sentenced for their part. Mark Templeton, 46, of North Parade, Whitley Bay, has been convicted with robbery at the Salutation Inn. He was found guilty at Newcastle Crown Court. He was sentenced to seven years. Melissa Bailey, 32, of Penman Place, North Shields, has been convicted with assisting an offender and handling the stolen number plate making machine. She pleaded guilty at Newcastle Crown Court. She was sentenced to 15 months suspended for two years. Joanne Oliver, 42, of Verne Road, North Shields has been convicted with witness intimidation at Newcastle Crown Court. She was sentenced to 15 months suspended for two years.