Teenage gun gang locked up for robberies in Bolton (From The Bolton News)

Teenage gun gang locked up for robberies in Bolton

8:30am Saturday 20th March 2010 in

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AN OFF-DUTY police firearms officer was pistol-whipped when a gang of yobs jumped a group of friends who were walking home after a night out.

Members of the teenage gang, some of whom took part in a spate of terrifying late-night burglaries, were yesterday sentenced to a total of more than 20 years behind bars.

Michael Wallbank, prosecuting, said police firearms officer Christian Carr was leaving Plodder Lane Conservative Club with three friends — Graham Brabbin, and father and son Trevor and Matthew Tobin.

They had been to a sportsman’s dinner on April 3 last year and left the club at 1.30am when they were approached by the gang.

One gang member, then aged 16, attacked Mr Carr.

The pair grappled before the teen pulled out a ball bearing gun from the waist of his trousers, firing it up to 10 times at Mr Carr, who was hit twice in the face.

The teenager then hit Mr Carr over the right ear with the butt of the gun and he fell to his knees.

Both Mr Brabbin and the Tobins were fending off attacks from other members of the gang and were being kicked and punched while on the ground.

Mr Wallbank said: “All Mr Brabbin can recall of the attack is coming to on the ground in Plodder Lane covered in blood dripping all over his shirt and suit.”

Matthew Tobin was then chased by a teenager with a BB gun when he went to help his father.

In a statement read to the court, he said: “I was scared for my life. I was petrified. I thought it was a real gun.”

Two of the boys, now 17, were subsequently identified by police and were arrested the following morning in Great Lever where a gas-powered gun was found with traces of Mr Carr’s blood on it.

Two other teenagers were subsequently arrested.

Judge Everett said: “Mr Tobin was attacked. He believed the gun was real and was terrified for his life.”

The court also heard two of the gang members were part of a mob that carried out a spate of burglaries last year, targeting homes with expensive sports cars.

The gang struck at Briggs Fold Road, Egerton, on June 3; Kingsby Close, Tottington, on June 15; and Whittingham Drive, Ramsbottom, on July 6.

A 17-year-old boy was sentenced to a total of eight years and two months after pleading guilty to violent disorder, possessing a firearm and three counts of aggravated burglary.

Two boys, aged 17 and 16, were given seven years each for violent disorder and two counts of aggravated burglary.

A fourth 17-year-old was given a 12-month community order after pleading guilty to violent disorder.