Six convicted of security van robberies

Two others were also found guilty of involvement in the crimes, but their sentences were adjourned pending further unrelated trials.

The gang had attacked security guards as they arrived at the Halifax Bank in the Parade in Leamington shortly before 1am in August 20, 2009.

They stole approximately £80,000 in cash before driving off in a silver Audi car.

Then in the early hours of September 2, 2009 a cash security van en route from Coventry to Leamington reported that it appeared to be being followed by a silver car.

Police escorted the security van to its delivery point while other officers located the silver car in Beauchamp Avenue. The two men inside were taken to Leamington police station for questioning.

A second vehicle, a black Ford Mondeo, was also stopped by police who found overalls, ski masks and gloves inside. A link was found between the two vehicles and the occupants were arrested.

Shawn Irwin, 39, of Cobden Street, Coventry and Joseph Martin, 27, of Chelsey Road, Coventry were both this week found guilty of robbery and conspiracy to rob and were each sentenced to eight years plus two years to run consecutively.

Shane Stojsavjevic, 29, of Hermes Crescent, Coventry and Andrew Ross, 21, of Woodway Lane, Wood End, Coventry both received four year sentences after they were found guilty of conspiracy to rob a cash security van.

A 26-year old man who was found guilty of both offences and a 25-year old convicted of conspiracy to rob have had sentencing adjourned until further hearings have taken place.

Det Sgt Alan Townsend of Warwickshire Police’s major investigation unit, who was involved in the investigation, said: “This was a complex and protracted investigation over a number of years that required persistence by the investigation team, and their efforts and dedication have paid off with the offenders receiving lengthy prison sentences.”