Brothers jailed for trying to blow up cash machine, TWICE

Two brothers have been jailed after they tried – and failed – to blow up the same cash machine twice.

David Culshaw, 49, and Michael Culshaw, 51, were caught by police after leaving their DNA at the scene.

The siblings, from Leigh, Greater Manchester, were caught on camera attempting to blow up the ATM outside a Spar store in Warrington, Cheshire, on September 24 last year.

They failed, causing only minor damage to the machine, and fled empty handed.

Several weeks later, on October 16, the brothers went back to the same cash machine and tried again to blow it up using a gas canister.

This time their plan was partly successful and there was an explosion which caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to the front of the store.

But it wasn’t strong enough to blow open the ATM, and again they fled with nothing.

While making their getaway, Michael Culshaw, of Wilkinson Street, left behind a black glove and towel which contained traces of his DNA.

David Culshaw's DNA was also found on a black tube used to cause the explosion.

On October 30, police raided the brothers’ homes in Leigh and found evidence linking them to the incidents, as well as equipment indicating they had been planning further attacks.

The Culshaws were arrested and charged with a number of offences, including attempted theft from a cash machine, arson and causing an explosion likely to endanger life.

David Culshaw, of Rugby Road, was also charged with possession of a class A drug.

They both appeared at Liverpool Crown Court where they were sentenced to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to attempted robbery.