Gang facing jail after Nelson jewellery shop raid (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Gang facing jail after Nelson jewellery shop raid

10:29pm Thursday 7th June 2012 in News By Wendy Barlow, Court reporter

FIVE men are facing jail after admitting attempted robbery at a jeweller's shop in Nelson.

Umayr Ahmed, 20, Imran Zamir, 19, Amar Haider, 19, Shezan Ellahi, 21 and Khazeer Ali, 19, all from Birmingham, pleaded guilty to attempting to rob Kamran Ali of jewellery.

All were remanded in custody, except 'getaway driver' Ellahi, who also admitted dangerous driving.

The masked gang smashed their way into the City of Gold shop in Manchester Road, Nelson, at around 2.50pm on March 16, but left without taking any property and got into a getaway car.

The vehicle was later found abanonded.

They were arrested shortly after in Swinton, Manchester, before they were transferred to Lancashire where they were quizzed by detectives.

The court was told Ellahi had owned up on the basis he was not present at the scene of the actual attempted robbery, but had driven up to East Lancashire on the day and was behind the wheel after it took place.

Ellahi, a student, was bailed on condition of a surety, residence at his home address and a curfew.

He must not contact witnesses and must report to King's Heath police station.

Judge Beverley Lunt ordered pre-sentence reports and warned the defendants: "You know you are all going to prison, but I haven't decided how long."

They will be sentenced on July 13.