Officers believed Mr Rodney, Wesley Lovell and Frank Graham had machine guns and were on their way to commit a drugs-related armed robbery, the inquiry heard.

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The 20-year-old was sentenced in his absence on Friday to seven years and 10 months in prison after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery following his role in a series of raids on pawnbrokers' shops.

BBC: Stevie McMullen and Ryan MacDonald

Moran, 31, had been convicted in absentia of conspiracy to commit armed robbery for the 2005 holdup of a Royal Mail vehicle.

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Shoji Sakurai spent 29 years in jail for a robbery-murder that he didn't commit.

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Lee Bailey, found her guilty of armed robbery and the use of a firearm to commit a felony.

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Mr McMullen faces charges of conspiracy to kidnap, conspiracy to commit robbery, conspiracy to commit arson, possession of a firearm, and other offences.

BBC: Stevie McMullen and Ryan MacDonald

Before his escape, Mr McMullen was being transported from HMP Altcourse in Fazakerley, Merseyside to court to face charges of conspiracy to kidnap, conspiracy to commit robbery, conspiracy to commit arson, possession of a firearm, and other offences.

BBC: Stevie McMullen and Ryan MacDonald

Along with a fifth man, the men have been charged with conspiracy to commit robbery across the Midlands between July and October.

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