Burka-clad robbers fail in bid to have their jail terms cut
TWO members of a robbery gang who used niqabs and burkas as disguises deserve every day of their jail terms, appeal judges have ruled.
‘Dangerous’ Michael Anthony Gabriel, 32, and Christopher Anthony Ryder, 33, were locked up at Manchester Crown Court in May last year.
The pair were part of a criminal crew who used the clothing to disguise themselves as they carried out a series of raids.
They used the ruse to get into a jewellers in Manchester and steal more than £100,000 worth of gems.
The same method was used during a robbery at an Aldi supermarket in Bolton – which netted the gang £76,000.
The gang carried out at least 10 raids between June 2015 and June 2016 across Greater Manchester.
Gabriel, of Dunstall Road, Wythenshawe, was handed 16 years behind bars and Ryder, of Hassall Avenue, Withington, received 17 years.
Both were branded a ‘danger to the public’ and were ordered to spend an additional five years on licence after their release from custody. The judge who jailed them said the offences were ‘carefully planned’ and involved the use of ‘dirty telephones, precise timing and reconnaissance.’ Conspirators knew ‘significant amounts of money’ would be on the targeted premises and used disguises,
There is no basis upon which the sentence passed can be criticised Mr Justice Foskett, Appeal Court judge
as well as arming themselves with machetes. Ryder and Gabriel both admitted counts of conspiracy to rob.
Now London’s Appeal Court has upheld their sentences.
Lawyers for Gabriel argued that he did not get enough credit for his guilty plea, while lawyers for Ryder argued that his 17-year custodial term was far too long and should be reduced.
But Mr Justice Foskett said the crown court judge was ‘entirely justified in taking the course he did.’
He pointed to Ryder’s previous criminal record and his involvement in many of the offences involved in the conspiracy.
“There was no basis upon which the sentence passed by the judge could be criticised or arguably criticised,” he said.
Their appeals were dismissed and their sentences upheld.