A BRADFORD man is one of a pair jailed for more than 12 years for a series of raids on cash machines across the North East, including in Bradford and Keighley.

James Fairburn and Stuart Penney, both 37, were jailed for a combined 26 and a half years today at Leeds Crown Court after pleading guilty to charges of conspiracy to steal and conspiracy to cause an explosion.

The court case followed an investigation into seven attacks on cash machines in Bradford, Keighley, Huddersfield and Darlington, as well as two burglaries where cars were stolen to be used in the crimes.

Between October 2017 and February 2018, Fairburn, of Union Road, Low Moor, and Penney, of Celandine Close, Darlington, pumped gases into cash machines to cause an explosion, causing thousands of pounds of damage to buildings and businesses housing the machines, and resulting in more than £300,000 being stolen.

Following an investigation by Yorkshire and Humber Regional Organised Crime Unit, the pair were arrested in February 2018, and searches of their homes led to the discovery of thousands of pounds in cash, mobile phones, and evidence both were living well beyond their means thanks to their ill-gotten gains.

They were charged with offences of conspiracy to cause an explosion, conspiracy to steal, conspiracy to commit burglary and conspiracy to enter/be concerned in the acquisition of criminal property.

Both men admitted their crimes in court, and Fairburn was jailed for 12 and a half years. Penney was handed a 14 year jail term, which included an 18 month sentence for dangerous driving.

Following the sentencing, Detective Chief Inspector Andy Howard, of Yorkshire and Humber Regional Organised Crime Unit, said: “These men used dangerous methods to cause explosions in cash machines at petrol stations and convenience stores, not caring whether anyone was injured or seriously hurt in their series of reckless attacks. 

“The explosive force produced was devastating and severely damaged the buildings housing these machines – a number of which were situated in residential areas, causing a significant impact on business owners and the community.

“I would like to thank the efforts of my team and everyone who assisted with the investigation, which has led to these men being given significant sentences for their roles in these crimes.”

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