Two men jailed after blowing up ATMs to steal tens of thousands of pounds

Matthew Parsons and Andrew Cox were both sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court. Credit: South Wales Police

Two men have been jailed for attempting to blow up cash machines and steal tens of thousands of pounds.

Matthew Parsons and Andrew Cox, both 26, used explosives to blast open bank ATM machines in Treforest and Bridgend.

They also used sledgehammers to break into the branches causing over £180,000 of damage.

Cardiff Crown Court heard the first raid on the Treforest Industrial Estate caused £80,000 of damage with more than £40,000 stolen.

The pair, from Bristol, also targeted a HSBC cash machine on Bridgend Industrial Estate causing nearly £29,000 worth of damage but no money was taken.

During another attack on the same night around £36,000 was stolen and £73,000 of damage caused.

Andrew Cox was jailed for eight years. Credit: South Wales Police

Last year, two other men who were also involved were jailed for a total of 16 and a half years.

Read more: Bank robbers jailed for blowing up cash machines and stealing £80,000.

Matthew Parsons was jailed for seven and a half years after pleading guilty to burglary and conspiracy to cause an explosion.

Whilst Andrew Cox pleaded guilty to burglary, attempted burglary and conspiracy to cause an explosion and was jailed for eight years.

The court heard that both men who are also dads-to-be will miss the births of their children whilst in jail.

Judge Eleri Rees told them "Both of you have extensive and unattractive records and you should take this opportunity to reflect on your family commitments."

Watch CCTV of the raids: