Solihull – Five men have been sentenced to a combined 30 years in prison for a terrifying armed robbery in which they stole hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of computer equipment from a Solihull business last year.
The gang—Jermaine Williams (38), Benjamin Need (33), Gary Newman (36), Mark Earl (39), and Patrick Cooke (39)—stormed the premises in March 2023, wearing masks and armed with knives. A staff member was tied up and threatened as the thieves loaded a stolen company van with high-value goods.
Swift Police Response Foils Escape
The stolen van was fitted with a tracking device, leading to Williams’ arrest within 10 minutes of the police being alerted. Detectives from Solihull’s Local Policing Area then identified and apprehended the remaining suspects within days.
A fifth man, Patrick Cooke, was not present during the robbery but was found in possession of stolen items.
Sentences Handed Down
At Birmingham Crown Court, the group received the following sentences:
Jermaine Williams: 9 years
Benjamin Need: 7.5 years
Gary Newman: 7 years
Mark Earl: 6 years
Patrick Cooke: 2 years (suspended for 12 months)
Police Praise Bravery of Victim, Warn Against Armed Crime
Detective Constable Emily Fowler of Solihull Police said:
“This was a violent, premeditated attack that left an innocent worker traumatized. These men showed total disregard for public safety, and today’s sentences reflect the severity of their crimes. Removing them from our streets makes Solihull safer.”
The case highlights the importance of tracking technology in combating commercial robberies and the effectiveness of rapid police response.
Anyone with information on organized crime is urged to contact West Midlands Police.