Four sentenced to more than 35 years in prison for armed robbery in Old Swan

(Left - right) Anthony Ainsworth, Lewis Prendergast and Stephen Prendergast

Detectives are welcoming the sentencing of four people to a total of 35 years and five months in prison after an armed robbery in Old Swan last year, in which six American Bulldog puppies were stolen.

At around 2.25pm on Sunday 18 October 2020, officers were called to an address in Derwent Road West to reports of a group of males forcing entry through a back door, some of whom were in possession of weapons, including an imitation firearm and machetes. 

The males demanded cash and high-value while making threats, before leaving six American Bulldog puppies and a VW Golf that was parked outside.

The car and all of the dogs were later recovered.

At around 3.45pm the same day, Matrix armed response officers were in the area searching for the offenders, and sighted their Ford Focus vehicle at the junction of Sheil Road and Kensington. The occupants got out and made off towards Newsham Park. Stephen Prendergast and Lewis Prendergast were stopped and arrested, before being charged. 

Further enquiries identified the involvement of Ainsworth and the 17-year-old boy.

Today (Wednesday 30 June), all four were sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court;
22-year-old Anthony Ainsworth of Edinburgh Road, Old Swan was sentenced to 10 years and nine months for conspiracy to commit robbery
24-year-old Lewis Prendergast of Bedford Street South, Kensington was sentenced to nine years and nine months for conspiracy to commit robbery and having a bladed article.
43-year-old Stephen Prendergast of Deane Road, Old Swan was sentenced to 10 years and nine months for conspiracy to commit robbery; having an imitation firearm with intent to commit an offence; and having a bladed article.
A 17-year-old boy from Old Swan was sentenced to four years and two months for conspiracy to commit robbery and possession of an offensive weapon.

Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Chief Inspector Sarbjit Kaur said: “I welcome today's sentencing, which see the offenders behind bars for a long time, following this complex investigation. The appalling attack last October saw the victims terrified and threatened with weapons, and left them extremely distressed.  

“That the puppies were found offered a little consolation, and we hope that today’s sentencings provide further comfort as they look to recover.

“Burglary and robbery cause a significant impact on all of those who are targeted, and key to reducing them is often information we receive directly, anonymously or via partner agencies. Tell us what you know and we will keep removing those responsible from the communities they affect.”

Always call 999 if a crime is in progress. Any information on burglary, robbery or the sale of stolen goods? Please contact us by DM via our social media desk on Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’.

You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information.