A gang who carried out a series of raids on ATMs across the north-east have been sentenced to a collective 92 years behind bars.
The raids, which took place between 2015 and 2016, saw cash machines targetted in Kingswells, Aberdeen; Newtonhill, Aberdeenshire; Carnoustie, Angus; and Perth.
The gang used explosive gas pumped directly into cash machines using rubber tubing to cause the blasts and used stolen cars to lead police on high-speed pursuits reaching 150mh.
The gang’s ringleader, Andrew White, 28, of Exeter Street, St Helens – was one of Liverpool’s most wanted fugitives after he fled to Spain.
His brother Anthony White, 26, of Kingswood, Huyton, was found guilty of both counts, along with Michael Galea, 41, of Gregson Road, Prescot; and Gary Carey, 40, of Gorseburn Road, Tuebrook.
Nanu Miah, 28, of Anderton Road, Sparbrook, Birmingham, was found guilty of the first count and admitted the second.
Two other men, Carl Cavanagh, 33, of Barford Road, Huyton, and Anthony Conroy, 29, of Ash Vale, Wavertree, admitted both conspiracies.
Police Scotland Detective Superintendent Alex Dowall said: “Today’s sentences emphasises the seriousness of crimes of this type and recognises the impact serious and organised crime has on our communities.
“The communities that were targeted by this group are safe places to live and not exposed to crimes of such a serious, dangerous and crude nature.
“The impact they had on the people who live within them cannot be underestimated and I would like to take this opportunity to thank members of the public and the communities of the North East for their assistance, support and patience throughout.”
