A PAIR of brothers have been jailed after two failed attempts to blow up cash machines.

David Culshaw, 49, and Michael Culshaw, 51, from Leigh, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court today, Wednesday, where they were both jailed for 10 years after pleading guilty to attempting to rob money from an ATM.

The first incident happened at around 12.30am on Sunday September 24 last year, when the brothers were captured on CCTV tampering with the cash machine outside the Spar store in Risley.

The second incident occurred just weeks later when the brothers returned to the same machine at 4.30am on October 16 and were again captured on CCTV attempting to use a gas cannister to blow up the ATM to gain access to the cash inside.

Warrington Guardian:

On this occasion, they were partially successful in their attempt with a large explosion causing significant damage to the front of the store. However, they failed to gain access to the cash inside and fled the scene empty handed.

While fleeing Michael Culshaw left a black glove and towel behind which were later used to trace him.

Traces of David Culshaw's DNA were also discovered on a black tube that the pair used to cause the explosion.

Officers executed warrants at the brothers' homes in Leigh on October 30 where they found equipment that linked them to the two incidents and indicated that they were planning further attacks.

The pair were both arrested and charged with a number of offences, including attempted theft from a cash machine, arson and causing an explosion likely to endanger life.

David Culshaw was also charged with possession of a class A drug.

Following sentencing, Sgt Alison Howarth said: "The Culshaws believed that they were above the law, attempting, and failing to steal money from the same ATM machine on two separate occasions.

"The brothers believed that crime would pay and help eradicate debt, the sentences passed today prove that this isn't the case and has landed them behind bars."

Detective Constable John Parry, the officer in charge of the case, said: "This store was in the heart of a small tight knit community, and the devastation of these incidents should not be underestimated.

"Not only did they cause thousands of pounds worth of damage, but they also had a profound impact on other businesses and residents within the area.

"The substantial sentence handed to the brother's today recognise this impact and sends a clear message to offenders that Cheshire detectives will pursue all lines of enquiry to detect crime that hurts the very heart of our communities and puts innocent members of the public at risk."