‘Prolific offender’ jailed for 15 years for robbery and fraud offences following spate of incidents in Longsight

Matthew Carney, (06/03/1996) of Mull Avenue, Longsight, appeared before Manchester Crown Court this afternoon (Tuesday 10 October 2023), after being found guilty of the following offences:

• 3x counts of robbery.
• 2x counts of fraud by false representation.
• 1x count of burglary.

The court heard how Carney committed the robberies between December 2020 –  January 2021 around the Longsight area of the city, preying on lone women and in some cases using excessive violence to steal the victims handbags and mobile phones.  

He later used the victims bank cards across shops in the area to purchase alcohol and cigarettes. Following a spree of robbery offences, Carney fled to the Lincolnshire area. 

Working in partnership with Lincolnshire Constabulary, Carney, was located at an address in the Lincolnshire area and arrested. He was later charged with the offences.

Carney was also identified from CCTV footage following a burglary offence on Milverton Road, Longsight in September 2021 which he was also charged with.

PC Ridgway of Greater Manchester Police’s Neighbourhood Crime team, said: “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. I am glad we have been able to secure a conviction for Carney today and I hope this will provide those victims with a sense of justice.

"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."

Anyone with information about this type of crime should contact us via gmp.police.uk or 101. In an emergency, dial 999.