A MAN from Bury has been jailed for nine years for his part in a series of robberies across Greater Manchester and Cheshire.

Paul Dunn, aged 24, of St Paul’s Court, had pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to robbery at Minshull Street Crown Court, Manchester, for offences between November 2011 and January 2012.

Gareth Massett, aged 28, of Highfield Road, Prestwich, was jailed for seven and a half years after admitting two counts of conspiracy to commit robbery, covering offences were committed between June 2011 and January this year.

Henry Tucker, aged 38, of Boothfield Road, Manchester, pleaded guilty to two counts and was jailed for six years.

Charlotte Rees, aged 40, of Gloucester Road, Heald Green, Luke Peters, aged 25, of Tetbury Road, Manchester, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy for offences from June to October 2011. Rees was jailed for three years four months, and Peters imprisoned for six years.

The first set of offences, between June and October last year, involved a total of 21 robberies where £70,000 was stolen from businesses and homes.

Massett, Peters and Tucker were often armed with clawhammers or other weapons, with Rees often driving the getaway car. Some premises fell victims to their crimes twice.

Over this four-month period, properties targeted included ones in Whitefield and Bury.

Between November 2011 and January this year, a further 11 robberies and two burglaries were committed in which another £70,000 was stolen.

Detective Constable Marcus Ellaby, from Stockport CID, said: “The offenders struck fear into the hearts of their victims by the threats they made, the way they physically pushed people and the weapons they carried. The individuals they targeted were left in no doubt that if they did not do as they were told, they would come to harm.

“If they were not successful at one location, they would focus on another until they got what they wanted.”

He added: “Thanks to the courage and co-operation of the victims, the offenders have faced justice and will spend a number of years behind bars for the crimes they committed.”