Four men charged for Formby Cricket Club burglary

Formby Cricket Club were left shocked back in July when burglars broke in after their annual festival fundraising week and stole large amounts of cash, including wages and electrical devices. The club made an appeal on social media to catch the criminals.

We are now happy to report that the Police have arrested and charged four men for the offence of conspiracy to commit burglary at the Formby Cricket Club on 12th July 2016 at Cricket Path in Formby.

Following an investigation by Warrington detectives into a series of burglaries spanning different towns and cities between 5 June 2016 and 4 August 2016, four men have now been charged.

The 14 offences took place in Formby, Eccleston, Gateshead, Warrington, Stoke on Trent, Widnes, Knutsford, North Yorkshire, Derbyshire and Mold.

Paul Ellis, 35, from Denebank Road, Liverpool, Alan Daniels, 34, from Oaklee Grove, Kirby, Jamie Downes, 30, from Roughwood Drive, Kirby, were charged with conspiracy to commit burglary and robbery. Lee Gallagher, 30, from Sandlewood Grove, Kirby were charged with conspiracy to commit burglary.

They first appeared at North Cheshire Magistrates Court on 16 September. The next appearance is at Liverpool Crown Court 14 October 2016.

Formby Cricket Club gave a statement to Formby Bubble:

"We are very grateful to Merseyside police for their hard work and dedication in trying to catch the culprits. Although we will never see the money again, it will give some satisfaction if these men receive custodial sentences. We would also like to thank all club members from hockey and cricket who came together to raise the funds back. Special thanks to Mike Simpson and Mark Watts."