Shop nail bomber jailed

Monks' device sent flying glass and metal round the takeaway

A man who detonated a nail bomb in a takeaway shop in Greater Manchester has been jailed.

Richard George Michael Monks was sentenced to a total of eight years on Wednesday.

Monks, 25, of no fixed address, appeared at Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester on Wednesday to plead guilty to causing the explosion in 2001.

The bomb - a jam jar containing nails, rivets and flour - left a woman injured, when it exploded in May 2001 in Rochdale.

Another man who appeared at the court pleaded guilty to supplying component parts for the device.

Monks admitted placing gunpowder close to the Papa Full Monty Indian takeaway in Spotland Road, Falinge.

The court heard the bomb exploded at about 2115 BST on 20 May 2001, spraying the area with flying glass and metal, leaving the victim with minor cuts to her arms and face.

This was an act of mindless violence, which illustrated a complete lack of respect for people's safety Detective Sergeant Phil Steele

No-one else was injured during the explosion.

Detective Sergeant Phil Steele, the officer in the case, said: "Thankfully no one was seriously injured as a result of the explosion.

"But there is no doubt that the consequences could have been far worse.

"This was an act of mindless violence, which illustrated a complete lack of respect for people's safety.

"I hope the sentences passed show that anyone who commits or assists in committing this type of crime will be brought before the courts and dealt with accordingly."

Monks was sentenced to six years in prison for the bombing, and another two years after pleading guilty to assault while he was on bail.

Patrick Hanratty, 27, of Oldham Road, Rochdale, was sentenced to 200 hours community service after admitting supplying parts for an explosive device.