Five men have pleaded guilty to their involvement in a botched £100,000 watch heist that was foiled by 71-year-old supergran Ann Timson. The pensioner famously walloped the sledgehammer-wielding thieves with her handbag outside a jewellers in Northampton, with her bravery captured on film.
The men, Patrick O'Brien, 18, Terry Ingles, 22, Jason Hartles, 25, Edward Smith, 28, and Michael Sharpe, 39, all from North London, admitted conspiracy to burgle at Northampton Crown Court. Prosecutor Alisdair Smith told the court: 'O’Brien had been armed with a sledgehammer and was at the shop doorway when Mrs Timson arrived.'
The gang fled on scooters after the failed robbery. Ingles also admitted taking a Vespa and driving while disqualified. All five were remanded in custody and are due to be sentenced on May 23.
