Ben Thompson and Wesley Shepherd Sentenced to 20 and 18 Years, Respectively, for Stealing £160,000 from ATMs in North West England

Criminal Duo’s Destructive Heist

In a shocking crime spree, Ben Thompson, aged 36, and Wesley Shepherd, aged 40, have been sentenced to 18 years in prison for their involvement in a series of explosive attacks on cash machines.

The pair, captured on camera, targeted four stores and supermarkets across the north-west of England between April and July of the previous year.

Threats and Explosive Devices

Thompson and Shepherd, armed with balaclavas, threatened store staff before inserting explosive devices into the targeted cash machines.

The destructive duo, using stolen vehicles, managed to escape the scenes of their crimes, leaving behind substantial damage to the businesses.

Lavish Getaways Funded by Crime

Having stolen nearly £160,000, the criminals didn’t shy away from a flamboyant lifestyle.

Using the ill-gotten gains, Thompson and Shepherd indulged in luxurious holidays to Malaga, Egypt, and Mexico, departing from Manchester Airport.

The extent of their exploits is revealed in dramatic CCTV footage depicting the aftermath of the explosions.

Arrest and Police Pursuit

Armed police intercepted the criminals on September 19 when they were spotted together in a car in Sale, Greater Manchester.

A chase ensued after the pair abandoned the vehicle, during which they discarded a rucksack containing incriminating items such as high visibility vests, gloves, a screwdriver, tape, and a smoke flare.

Justice Served

Following the chase, Thompson was apprehended on the forecourt of a supermarket, while Shepherd was arrested at his mother’s residence in Northenden.

Thompson received a 20-year sentence, and Shepherd was sentenced to 18 years and eight months.

Both pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit robbery and causing explosions likely to endanger property and lives.

Police Reaction and Public Safety

Detective Sergeant Rich McCorry, commenting on the case after the sentencing, emphasized the dangerous nature of the criminals’ actions, expressing concern for public safety.

He commended the collaborative efforts of Greater Manchester and Staffordshire Police, highlighting that the investigation successfully linked the crimes, ensuring the imprisonment of two individuals who posed a serious threat to society.

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