On 20 March 2021, James McCreadie drove his Peugeot 206 to Sittingbourne railway station where he collected two associates who had travelled from London, Alfie Spain and Freddie Hanratty. The pair then armed themselves with knives with the intention of committing robberies at a number of addresses.
McCreadie drove to Sheerness while his two passengers disguised their identities with face coverings and placed disposable gloves on their hands.
He dropped Spain and Hanratty in the town where they went on to force their way into a house in Alexandra Road, and threatened a man inside the address with their knives. They left empty-handed and got back in the car.
Spain and Hanratty then committed two further robberies at addresses in Victoria Street and Queensway, threatening the occupants at both premises. After each incident, they were again collected by McCreadie in his car.
An investigation was commenced by the Chief Constable’s Crime Squad with Hanratty and Spain being arrested on 21 April and 29 April respectively. Detectives gained evidence to prove McCreadie’s role and he was arrested on 17 June 2021. He was later charged with conspiracy to rob.
McCreadie, of Linden Road, Sheerness, pleaded not guilty and was convicted at Maidstone Crown Court. On Tuesday 1 March, the 40-year-old was sentenced to seven years in prison.
Spain and Hanratty had previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to rob and the former has been jailed for eight years and three months while the latter is sentenced to six years in a young offenders’ institution.
Investigating officer, PC Emma Laimbeer, said: ‘McCreadie was a key member of the gang and provided the transport for their criminal enterprise. There is no doubt he was aware of their plans and as such should take equal responsibility for the terrible ordeal suffered by the victims.
‘He is now rightfully behind bars and I would like to thank the victims and witnesses whose assistance ensured these violent men were brought to justice.’
