CCTV captures £92,000 erupting from Co-op ATM as bomb explodes in robber's face

30 January 2024 , 08:04

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CCTV captures £92,000 erupting from Co-op ATM as bomb explodes in robber's face

The moment a small bomb exploded in the face of a robber, sending ten of thousands of pounds into the air, was captured on CCTV.

Two crooks had targeted the store in Northwood, Stoke-on-Trent, in July last year. Footage from outside the store showed one of the robbers tackling a member of the public outside. Inside, an accomplice wearing a face covering and cap repeatedly smashed the standalone ATM with a hammer. At the same time, a worker can be seen acting frantically near the door.

After around seven seconds, the improvised explosive device (IED) detonated in the robber's face. Sparks can be seen and a thick cloud of smoke then fills the shop, StokeonTrentLive reported.

The shocking footage was released after Wesley Shepherd and Benjamin Thompson were jailed for more than 30 years for robberies on the Northwood shop and three other convenience stores in Greater Manchester. In total, they stole £157,000 with £92,800 from the Northwood ATM. Manchester Crown Court heard they manhandled workers out of the shops late at night, before using IEDs to break into the ATMs.

Benjamin Thompson, 36, and Wesley Shepherd, 40, have been jailed (GMP)

Last July’s robbery did not go to plan as the IED exploded soon after being lit - causing an injury to Thompson - as well as £5,800 worth of damage. Witnesses told how cash was left floating around the car park. After carrying out the raids, Thompson and Shepherd were spotted passing through Manchester Airport, jetting off to Malaga, Egypt, and Mexico. They were arrested in September last year by armed police.

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CCTV showing Thompson attacking the ATM

Thompson, 36, was jailed for 20 years, and Shepherd, 40, for 18 years and eight months. They both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery and cause an explosion likely to endanger property and life at an earlier hearing.

Speaking after the case, Detective Sergeant Rich McCorry, from GMP Serious Organised Crime Group, said: “These men had no regard for the safety of the public in their endeavour to make some fast cash. This type of behaviour is intolerable and the lasting impact that such an unprovoked attack can have on a victim is huge.

A member of the public was attacked outside the store

“Following a diligent investigation with specialist colleagues from across Greater Manchester and Staffordshire Police, we were able to link the crimes and now two dangerous, reckless men are behind bars for a long time.”

Sentencing the pair, Judge Conran said: “The defendants are both intelligent and articulate men. They both have... capacity to make something for themselves. They both expressed remorse. They both stand to lose a lot from long periods of custody."

Antony Clements-Thrower