Five men from Islington plead guilty to supergran robbery

FIVE men from Islington admitted their part in a jewellery heist that was foiled by a handbag-wielding grandmother.

Edward Smith, 28, of Staveley Close, Holloway, Jason Hartles, 25, of Peabody Square, Islington, Terry Ingles, 22, of Arran Walk, Canonbury, Michael Sharpe, 39, of Rowstock Gardens, Holloway and Patrick O’Brien, 18, of Arlington Square, Islingon, all pleaded guilty to conspiracy to burgle at Northampton Crown Court on Friday.

A second charge of conspiracy to rob was allowed to remain on file.

The crime hit international headlines after a video showed 71-year-old Ann Timson running up to six men as they attempted to smash the windows of the shop with sledgehammers on February 7.

Ms Timson started hitting the men with her handbag and caused them to flee the scene on motorbikes.

O’Brien fell off his bike and was detained by members of the public until the police arrived.

All five men have been remanded in custody prior to sentencing on May 23.