THE three armed robbers who targeted Walton’s jewellers in Chester have been jailed for a total of 28 years - even though one of the men is still at large.

Simon Waller, 29, of Elmdale Crescent, Northfield, West Midlands pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit armed robbery and was sentenced to nine years.

The trial of his accomplices Elliott Albert Burton, 38, of Southacre Avenue, Birmingham and Luke Aaron Nash, 24, of Newlyn Road, also in Northfield, resulted in a jury finding both men guilty of conspiracy to commit an armed robbery.

Nash was sentenced to seven years and Burton, who failed to attend the final two days of his trial and is still at large, was sentenced in his absence to 12 years.

Cheshire Constabulary detectives who hunted down the gang, responsible for a string of daring armed robberies across the country, were recognised by the judge sentencing the gang at Birmingham Crown Court on Friday July 25.

While sentencing the men, the judge commended Inspector Simon Blackwell, DI Pete Merrill and DC Clare Fletcher along with officers from Hampshire and West Midlands.

After the sentencing, DC Fletcher said: “It is a fantastic result. Two years have passed since this offence and the verdict shows the hard work and commitment that has taken to bring these men to justice.

“I would like to thank Walton’s in Chester for their support during this investigation.”

Hundreds of hours of detailed work and collaboration with detectives from forces nationwide helped to track the Birmingham-based gang who stole a total of approximately £1.5m in nine armed robberies.

DC Fletcher added: “We linked up with seven other force areas who had been affected by this same gang. We simply had to get these dangerous men off the streets.”

Cheshire Police say that ongoing efforts are being made nationally to apprehend Elliott Burton including an appeal on BBC TV’s Crimewatch last month.

On conviction of the three, Chief Superintendent Western Area Commander Tim Jackson said: “This was an excellent and thoroughly professional investigation which has led to the conviction of some very dangerous and prolific criminals, together with the recovery of a significant amount of stolen property.”