Violent armed robbery gang in Dudley jailed for 60 years after a series of offences including a masked raid on a pub
A balaclava clad gang has been jailed for a combined total of more than 60 years after a series of armed robberies, car thefts and burglaries at pubs, supermarkets and off licenses.
The gang committed a string of robberies in Dudley, stealing thousands of pounds in cash, alcohol, and cigarettes from August 9 2021.
They also stole a total of 20 vehicles from residential and commercial premises in the West Midlands and Staffordshire. Some of these vehicles were used during the armed robberies.
In one particularly alarming incident three armed masked men threatened staff at a pub on Gospel End Road in Sedgley on August 9. They demanded the till to be emptied and the cash put in a bag for them.
Similar offences were then committed in Dudley, Wombourne, Stourbridge, Gornal, Wordsley, Rowley Regis and Bilston. In total 11 violent armed robberies were committed.
The gang wore balaclavas, and threatened staff with a variety of weapons including machetes, knives and an axe.
On 14 February 2022, armed robberies took place at a post office in Lower Gornal and a store in Brierley Hill. Officers responded and arrested Stephen Hall and Jason Hall.
After a long investigation, including reviewing hours of CCTV footage, forensic and phone investigations, West Midlands Police was then able to arrest Craig Booth, Gavin Reilly, Paul Bagnall and Carlton Betts.
All six men were charged with a variety of offences such as conspiracy to steal vehicles, robbery and burglary.
They appeared at Wolverhampton Crown Court on July 1 for sentencing.
Gavin Reilly, aged 45 of Thornhill Road, Quarry Bank was jailed for 19 years after admitting conspiracy to commit robbery, burglary and theft of vehicles
Craig Booth, aged 48 of Kirby Drive, Lower Gornal was jailed for 10 years and six months after admitting conspiracy to robbery and was found guilty for burglary and theft of vehicles
Stephen Hall, aged 46 of Withern Way, Lower Gornal was jailed for 15 years and eight months after admitting burglary and robbery
Jason Hall, aged 49 of Knighton Road, Netherton was jailed for nine years and eight months after admitting robbery
Carlton Betts, aged 29 of was jailed for three years after admitting conspiracy to steal vehicles and burglary. His prison term will be added to his existing 13 year jail sentence for a fatal collision in Tipton in 2021.
Paul Bagnall, aged 38 of Lichfield Street, Bilston admitted to conspiracy to steal motor vehicles. He was sentenced to two years and three months
'Cowardly robberies'
Detective Constable Mark Plant from WMP Major Crime Proactive team, said: “These serious and cowardly robberies mainly occurred when predominantly female staff were about to close the stores.
“I know this has had a long-standing impact on some of the victims.
“Now these men face a long time behind bars, hopefully the victims will feel that justice has been served.”
