Bradford man jailed for 12 years for conspiracy to steal and cause an explosion

A West Yorkshire Police regional investigation into attacks on cash machines in northern England, has led to two men being jailed.

Stuart Penney and James Fairburn pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to steal and conspiracy to cause an explosion.

The investigation by the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Organised Crime Unit focused on seven attacks on cash machines in areas including Bradford, Keighley and Huddersfield, as well as two burglaries, where the vehicles stolen were used in the crimes.

The attacks between October 2017 and February 2018, which saw gases pumped into the machines to cause an explosion, more than £300,000 being stolen.

Penney, aged 37, of Celandine Close in Darlington, was jailed for 14 years. His total sentence included 18 months for a dangerous driving offence.

Fairburn, also 37 and of Union Road, Low Moor, Bradford, received 12 and a half years.

Speaking after sentencing Detective Chief Inspector Andy Howard, of YH ROCU, said:

“These men used dangerous methods to cause explosions in cash machines at petrol stations and convenience stores, not caring whether anyone was injured or seriously hurt in their series of reckless attacks."