Operation Uganda nails gang

Date published: 19 March 2010

Four serial robbers were jailed for a total of 28 years at Manchester Crown Court yesterday.

The convictions were made as part of Greater Manchester Police’s Operation Uganda, which targeted violent robbers and burglars in the North Manchester, Bury and Salford areas.

The gang took part in a string of robberies and burglaries involving stolen vehicles between May and September 2009, including the robbery of an Irlam post office which they stole £10,000.

Joshua Doyle, 19, pleaded guilty to two counts of robbery, burglary, handling a stolen motorcycle and three counts of allowing himself to be carried in a stolen vehicle.

Ashley Dougan, 21, of Mansfield Road, Blackley, pleaded guilty to two counts of robbery, burglary and three counts of allowing himself to be carried in a stolen vehicle.

Michael Jones, 22, of St Heliers Drive, Salford, pleaded guilty to one count of robbery, burglary and one count of allowing himself to be carried in a stolen vehicle.

Gerrard Ward ,26,of Lower Broughton Road, Salford, pleaded guilty to robbery and two counts of allowing himself to be carried in a stolen vehicle.

Detective Constable Simon Jones said: "Seeing these men locked up is a fantastic result both for Greater Manchester Police, but more important the communities they have menaced.

"Criminals like these have no place in our society, and anyone who has been a victim of burglary or robbery will how much distress these people can cause.

"Stopping these criminals in their tracks and putting them where they belong - in prison - is an absolute priority for us because we know these are the sorts of people decent, law-abiding members of our communities want taken off the streets.