Two admit roles in Midlands Co-op robberies
Two men have admitted conspiring to commit robberies at a string of Co-op stores across the Midlands after being hauled before a judge at Stafford Crown Court.
Ryan Landon Shaw, aged 19, and Jani Joseph Wright, 24, both from Birmingham, have admitted their parts in 12 crimes carried out at stores between January and October last year.
Among the Co-op stores raided were those in Stourport Road, Kidderminster High Street, Cheslyn Hay, Brewood Road, Coven, and Lodge Lane, Bridgnorth, Shropshire.
Also targeted were stores in Woods Lane, Burton; Kings Sutton, Northamptonshire; The Precinct, Tamworth; Meadow Lane, Coalville; The Green, Breaston; Church Hill Street, Burton; and Draycott Road, Long Eaton.
During the hearing yesterday, the court was told that Shaw, of Sedgebourne Way, Northfield, admitted being involved in nine of the crimes, while Wright, of Conybere Street, Highgate, admitted his part in 10.
Mr Paul Spratt, prosecuting, said that a 'significant' amount of money had been stolen.
During their appearance, Shaw and Wright spoke only to confirm their names, addresses, date of births and to each plead guilty to the charge of conspiracy to rob.
Shaw and Wright were both arrested in Bridgnorth on October 31 last year.
It followed an investigation led by Staffordshire Police under the Operation Viper banner, which also involved West Mercia, Warwickshire and West Midlands forces.
Mr Michael Grey, representing Shaw, and Mr Richard Bannister, for Wright, both asked for pre-sentence reports to be prepared before the pair are sentenced.
The hearing was adjourned and a date for the sentencing at Stafford Crown Court is yet to be set, but Judge Mark Eades said it would not be until at least June.
They were both released on conditional bail.
In one of the robberies on September 16 last year, masked raiders stormed into the Co-op store, in Brewood Road, Coven, and made off with a quantity of cash from the till.
