Manchester bank robber and partner jailed

Tuesday, 10 April 2018 16:00

A bank robber who claimed to be a member of ISIS armed with a bomb when threatening staff has been jailed alongside his partner.

Michael Thorpe, 39, and Rochelle Holman, 31, both of Crossgate Avenue, Benchill, were sentenced at Manchester Crown Court Crown Square after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery. Thorpe also pleaded guilty to possession of an imitation firearm.

The pair targeted several locations across Greater Manchester, with Thorpe disguising himself through various means and passing a member of staff a note claiming he was a member of ISIS and was carrying a bomb.

Holman was involved in planning the robberies and was in attendance at each one.

Greater Manchester Police said that in one incident Thorpe dressed in a full burka during a robbery in Sale.

He was jailed for 19 years and Holman for seven and a half years.

Detective Sergeant Richard Castley of GMP’s Serious Organised Crime Group said: “Michael Thorpe and Rochelle Holman used devious tactics to strike fear into each member of staff they encountered during their attempts to make a quick bit of cash.

“Although Thorpe was the one who entered the bank and made the threats, Holman played a key part in planning the robberies and attended each one with her accomplice lover, waiting for him to return with the spoils of their latest crime.

“They are now where they belong, behind bars and about to spend the coming years with plenty of time to consider whether it was all worth it.”

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