Ex-football star jailed for 12 years over robbery
AFORMER England under19 footballer who carried out armed robberies at two shops has been jailed for 12 years.
Adam Neal was one of two men who carried out a terrifying robbery at the Spar shop on Thwaites Road in Oswaldtwistle armed with a handgun and sword.
Three days later Neal, formerly of South Street, Accrington, then raided Rishton Mini Market - known locally as Whiteheads - on High Street armed with a knife.
Following the robberies, Neal, who once played in an England under-19 game against Sweden, then tried to sell a gun over social media.
Neal denied carrying out the raids but was found guilty by a jury.
AFORMER England under-19 footballer who robbed two shops armed with weapons has been jailed for 12 years.
Adam Neal, from Accrington, was one of two men who carried out a terrifying robbery at the Spar shop on Thwaites Road in Oswaldtwistle on August 8 last year.
The masked men were seen on CCTV carrying a handgun and a sword after entering the store at around 8.40pm
They threatened staff before jumping over the counter and stealing £300 in cash from two tills and some cigarettes.
Neal, 32, and the other unknown offender then fled the scene in a silver Audi A3.
Three days later Neal, formerly of South Street, Accrington, then raided Rishton Mini Market - known locally as Whiteheads - on High Street armed with a knife.
Neal threatened the shopkeeper and made off with cigarettes and around £200 in cash.
Following the robberies, Neal, who once played in an England under-19 game against Sweden, then tried to sell a gun over social media to co-defendant Darren McFarlane for £300.
Neal was found guilty after a trial at Liverpool Crown Court of two counts of robbery, conspiracy to possess a firearm, possessing a bladed article and a separate offence of harassment.
He was jailed for a total of 12 years and ordered to pay a £170 victim surcharge.
McFarlane, 28, of Elizabeth Street, Accrington, was jailed for 11 months after admitting conspiracy to possess a firearm.
Both men were sentenced on June 18 by Judge Anil Murray, however their convictions can only now be reported after reporting restrictions were lifted.
A 39-year-old woman from Clitheroe was cleared by a jury this week of perverting the course of justice in a case connected to Neal.
Speaking after the hearing, Detective Constable Richard Shires said: “These two armed robberies must have been absolutely terrifying experiences for the staff members involved and it is fortunate that no-one was physically hurt given that weapons were used in both incidents.
“The fact that Neal admitted his involvement is testament to the quality of the police investigation and the weight of the evidence against him.
“These significant sentences reflect the gravity of the offences committed.”
‘These significant sentences reflect the gravity of the offences committed’