Parkgate bank robbers jailed for total of 33 years

Michael Lydon (53), of Fairview Avenue, Cleethorpes, denied taking part in a gun heist last January 29 at the Parkgate branch.

But after a two-week trial a jury found him guilty on Friday of two counts of robbery, two of possession of an imitation firearm and one each of making use of an imitation firearm with intent, attempted robbery and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

Jurors took 90 minutes to deliver their verdicts and Lydon was jailed by Judge Julian Goose QC for 20 years.

Lydon’s accomplice, Paul Smith (55), of the Coppice, Kimberworth Park, admitted the same charges and was jailed for 13 years.

Getaway driver Jason Heppenstall (28), of Langdon Walk in Kimberworth Park, who also admitted his part in the robbery, is due to be sentenced tomorrow at the same court.

Lydon has several past convictions and was given 18 years in prison for another bank robbery, committed in 2000.

Paul Smith