A gang of professional thieves who blew up ATMs and stole ten trophies from the National Horseracing Museum have been sentenced to nearly 75 years in prison.

Six members from the smash and grab gang called 'James 'Jimmy' Sheen's firm' blew up 18 ATMs over a year and got away with £100,000 by dragging them out using high-powered 4x4s.

In May 2020, three members of the gang also smashed their way into the National Horseracing Museum in Newmarket in May 2020 and walked out with 10 trophies, including the £75,000 Ascot Gold Vase.

Judge Michael Gledhill labelled this Newmarket heist as the "most audacious in this lengthy list".

The trial to determine the men's sentences took place on Friday, May 20, at Oxford Crown Court.

Judge Gledhill QC described the thefts as "committed and professional" but condemned their attitude to life which he described as "if it is there to be taken, we're entitled to it".

He described the gang's desire "to obtain as much money as possible as quickly as possible, avoiding detection by the police and other authorities".

He said the men had brought "shame and disgrace'" on themselves, their families and the travelling community of which they "said they were proud members".

The leader of the gang, James Sheen, 37, of Warren Crescent, Headington, was jailed for 17 years and four months.

Mr Sheen admitted conspiracy to cause explosions, conspiracy to burgle, burgling the Newmarket Horseracing Museum, theft of a Landcruiser in Aynho, attempted theft of a Mitsubishi in Horndean, using a stolen BMW and conspiracy to steal plant machinery.

David Riley, 26, a trusted lieutenant of Linkfield Lane, Redbridge, was jailed for 17 years and three months.

He admitted conspiracy to cause explosions, conspiracy to burgle, the Newmarket burglary, theft, and handling stolen plant machinery.

He also admitted having a mobile phone in prison.

Frenny Green, 33, a hired hand of no fixed address, was given an imprisonment sentence of 10-and-a-half years for his four nights' worth of involvement in the conspiracy.

Mr Green pleaded guilty on a basis to conspiracy to cause explosions and his 23 previous convictions include several for burglary.

Shane Harris, 32, of Hughes Close, Charlbury, admitted conspiracy to burgle.

Jailing him for three years and four months, the judge said: "Learn your lesson and never come before these courts again."

Jimmy Loveridge, 30, of Chertsey Road, Chobham, was jailed for 14 years and three months.

Mr Loveridge pleaded guilty to conspiracy to burgle, conspiracy to steal plant machinery, attempted theft, using criminal property and the Newmarket Museum burglary.

Judge Gledhill said: "I regret to say that your criminal record is both appalling and is highly relevant."

Together with his 'partner in crime' Paul Smith in late 2014, he was part of a gang that stole 60 trophies from the Red Bull Racing HQ near Milton Keynes and also smashed their way into shops to try and drag out ATMs.

Paul Smith, 30, of Hearmon Close, Yateley, received 11 years and four months' imprisonment.

Mr Smith was found guilty of conspiracy to burgle, attempted theft and using a stolen BMW. He admitted conspiracy to steal plant machinery.