Three men sentenced for spate of armed robberies

Jordan Hickman and Jake Jones committed the crimes with a third man, who has not been named

Three men from Telford have been sentenced for an armed robbery spree which "scared and intimidated" shop workers across the town.

Jordan Hickman, 29, Jake Jones, 21, and an 18-year-old man who cannot be named for legal reasons carried out the robberies over a two-week period in March 2023.

The break-ins, at 15 separate shops, involved weapons including a firearm.

"These three men are clearly violent and dangerous individuals who entered a number of retail shops across Telford armed with a series of weapons to scare and intimidate staff," said Det Insp Steve Goddard.

The men were sentenced on Monday at Shrewsbury Crown Court.

Hickman, of Millstream Way in Leegomery, was found guilty in March, and was sentenced to a total of 11 years for conspiracy to commit robberies and burglaries.

Jones, also of Millstream Way, pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing, and was sentenced to four years for the same offences.

The third man had also pleaded guilty, and was given three years nine months for conspiracy to commit robbery.

West Mercia Police said the group targeted three charity shops, three barbers’ shops, four bookmakers, a take-away, a butchers and three other stores.

They stole £1,800 during the spree.

"They threatened customers and staff causing fear. Whilst no-one was injured the consequences could have been far worse, and those in the stores at the time have quite understandably been left traumatised by their actions," said Det Ins Goddard.

"I'm pleased with the significant sentence that has been given today, and am pleased that the three men are behind bars where they cannot cause more harm to our communities," he added.