Matthew Carney, aged 27, of Mull Avenue in Longsight, has been found guilty of several offences. Carney appeared before the court on Tuesday, October 10, and was charged with three counts of robbery, two counts of fraud by false representation, and one count of burglary.

According to the court proceedings, Carney committed the robberies between December 2020 and January 2021 in the Longsight area of Manchester. His victims were primarily lone women, and Carney resorted to excessive violence to steal their handbags and mobile phones. He later used the victims’ bank cards to purchase alcohol and cigarettes from local shops. After carrying out a series of robberies, Carney fled to the Lincolnshire area.

Working in collaboration with Lincolnshire Constabulary, Greater Manchester Police managed to locate Carney at an address in Lincolnshire, leading to his subsequent arrest and charging.

Furthermore, Carney was identified from CCTV footage related to a burglary offence that took place on Milverton Road in Longsight in September 2021. He has also been charged in connection with this incident.

PC Ridgway from Greater Manchester Police’s Neighbourhood Crime team expressed relief at Carney’s conviction, stating, “Carney is a prolific offender, and I am relieved that he is now off our streets and no longer a danger to the public. These were violent and terrifying robberies for the victims and will no doubt have had a lasting impact on their lives.”

PC Ridgway added, “We are committed to ensuring the streets of Greater Manchester are kept safe, and no one should go about their day-to-day life feeling fearful or like they may be at risk of criminal behaviour.”