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One of the founder members of Massive Attack has been sentenced to 3 years in prison today for his part in a series of armed robberies across Bristol.

Vocalist Claude Williams was found guilty of the raids at 13 convenience stores over a 5 month period.

Five other men have also been jailed for a total of 32 years for their part in the robberies which took place across Bristol.

The group stole cash and cigarettes totalling 42 thousand pounds.

The offences happened between August 2008 and January 2009 and totalled £42,472.86.

48 year old Claude Williams, 41 year old Peter Miles, 23 year old David Miles, 36 year old Ryan Douglas, 36 year old William Defty, 48 year old Claude Williams and 40 year old Christopher Morgan were all convicted of conspiracy to commit robbery at Bristol Crown Court today.

Their campaign began in August 2008 at Martin McColls, in Mardyke Ferry Road. It then went on to target numerous convenience stores across the city including Nisa Stores, Chandos Road, Martin McColls on Frome Valley Road, Threshers, Cleeve Wood Road, Staple Hill, The Local, Flaxpits Lane, Winterbourne, Nisa Stores, Redcliff Street, Martin McColls, Kingsway, St George, Threshers, Whiteladies Road, Costcutters, Coldharbour Road with their reign of terror on Bristol stores concluding following a raid on Martin McColls, North Street, Bedminster.

Detective Inspector Jon Reilly said: "The sentences passed today bring an end to what was a challenging investigation.

"There were few investigative opportunities at each of the robbery scenes however by perseverance and some excellent detective work we have been able to bring these six men to justice for all thirteen robberies.

"This gang of offenders was both organised and dangerous and preyed upon convenience stores that were open late into the evening.  By using a high level of violence, with metal bars and hammers, they overcame staff and stole both cash and cigarettes to a total value of over £40,000.

"I hope that these sentences reassure the public that we will be relentless in perusing offenders and bringing them to justice in order to make our communities safer."

Williams will only serve around a third of his prison sentence due to time he's already spent in custody.

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