TWO members of a gang which used niqabs and burkas as disguises to rob a Bolton supermarket have failed to convince appeal judges to cut their jail terms.

'Dangerous' Michael Anthony Gabriel, 32, and Christopher Anthony Ryder, 33, were caged at Manchester Crown Court in May last year.

Gabriel, of Dunstall Road, Wythenshawe, got 16 years behind bars and Ryder, of Hassall Avenue, Withington, got 17 years.

Both branded a 'danger to the public', they were ordered to spend an additional five years on licence after their release from custody.

Ryder and Gabriel both admitted counts of conspiracy to rob, Mr Justice Foskett told London's Appeal Court.

A 'series of robberies' took place in the Greater Manchester area involving the duo and others, he said.

The judge who jailed them said the offences were 'carefully planned' and involved the use of 'dirty telephones, precise timing and reconnaissance'.

Conspirators knew 'significant amounts of money' would be on the targeted premises and used disguises, as well as arming themselves with machetes.

During one £76,000 robbery at an Aldi store in Bolton in June 2015, some of the raiders wore niqabs or burkas and carried machetes.

Appealing, lawyers for Gabriel argued that he did not get enough credit for his guilty plea.

But Mr Justice Foskett said the crown court judge was 'entirely justified in taking the course he did' in passing the 16-year sentence.

Lawyers for Ryder argued that his 17-year custodial term was far too long and should be reduced.

But the appeal judge, who was sitting with two others, disagreed.

He pointed to Ryder's previous criminal record and his involvement in many of the offences involved in the conspiracy.

"There was no basis upon which the sentence passed by the judge could be criticised or arguably criticised," he said.

Their appeals were dismissed and their sentences upheld.