Armed Robbers Caught at Shepherd's Bush Bank Found Guilty

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After string of bank robberies, gang members arrested at local HSBC

A man who was part of an armed gang which targeted banks across London including HSBC's branch on Shepherd's Bush Green has been found guilty of six offences.

Jason Byrne, 45 of Carlton Vale, Kilburn was found guilty on July 8 at Kingston Crown Court of six armed robberies between 1 April 2014 and 8 August 2014.

This photo shows him robbing a branch of HSBC on The Strand.

He was found not guilty of one count of robbery on 23 July 2014 at Barclays Bank, Hendon.

The other two members of the gang both previously pleaded guilty. John Monaghan, 54 of Granville Road, Kilburn pleaded guilty to his involvement in three of the offences while Paul Wiltshire, 47 pleaded guilty to his involvement in one offence.

All three are due to be sentenced at Kingston Crown Court on Thursday, 16 July.

The court heard that a total £38,900 was stolen during the
robberies at banks in Swiss Cottage, Notting Hill, Kensington, Camden, Shepherd's Bush and The Strand.

Byrne took part in all of the offences, threatening bank employees with a handgun whilst demanding they hand over cash. Monaghan and/or Wiltshire acted as his look-outs, watching the exits to the premises.

An investigation named ‘Operation Buzzsaw’ was launched by detectives from the Flying Squad who identified Byrne and others as suspects in the series of robberies.

On 8 October 2014, Flying Squad detectives supported by Met firearms officers arrested Byrne and Wiltshire as they targeted an HSBC branch in Shepherds Bush Green.

Both Byrne and Wiltshire were found to be in possession of an imitation firearm, two knives and a rucksack containing £4,500.

Monaghan was later identified and arrested.

Detective Inspector Scott Hartley, from the Met’s Flying Squad, said: " This group of armed robbers committed extremely violent offences, causing utter terror to bank staff and customers who were suddenly faced with armed men shouting threats and demanding cash.

“Operation Buzzsaw was a lengthy operation to identify, target and arrest Byrne and his associates, who showed no signs of slowing down their offending.

“As a result of the diligent and painstaking investigation by the Flying Squad, these criminals now face considerable prison sentences.”

 

July 16, 2015