Torphins ATM raider has appeal against sentence thrown out

A failed ATM raider caught after his fingerprints were found on the getaway vehicle has failed to have his sentence cut.

Michael Broomfield’s prints were found on the car used by thieves after an ATM was ripped from Torphins’ Scotmid shop.

In June, he was sent to prison for four years and four months for his part in the smash-and-grab raid.

The HMP Grampian prisoner pleaded guilty to the theft of a vehicle, breaking into the shop in Craigour Road and stealing an ATM, acting along with others.

But he lodged an appeal against the length of his jail term soon after he was sentenced by Sheriff Graeme Napier, which was thrown out.

The 33-year-old then requested a review of that decision, which the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service has now confirmed has been refused.

The failed heist began to fall apart after the gold Chrysler getaway car broke down.

The ATM, containing £44,000, was found lying on the road behind the stranded vehicle.

Depute fiscal Sally McAuley previously told Aberdeen Sheriff Court that at around 1.40am on February 28 a witness heard an alarm sounding in the shop, followed by “loud banging” and male voices shouting “come on”.

A gang was seen, and filmed, forcing their way in before using chains to lift the cash machine into the boot of the Chrysler with the digger.