Two masked teenagers who terrorized two women with an imitation gun in a Manchester Victoria station car park have each been sentenced to 30 months in prison, more than five years after the attempted robbery.

Hasan Ali, 23, of Harper Street, Oldham, and Junaid Ahmed, 22, of Villa Road, Oldham, appeared at Bolton Crown Court on Tuesday where they received their sentences after pleading guilty to two counts of attempted robbery each.

The court heard how on January 9, 2020, the two women in their 30s were walking to their cars after work when Ali and Ahmed, who were teenagers at the time, confronted them demanding cash. Ali produced an imitation firearm while Ahmed threatened to shoot the women if they didn’t comply.

One victim offered loose change from her pocket before pretending to get more money from her car. She managed to escape inside and lock the door despite Ali’s attempts to stop her. The second woman quickly followed, and both locked themselves in the vehicle before calling police.

British Transport Police launched an extensive investigation, identifying Ahmed through a media appeal that generated an anonymous Crimestoppers tip. He was arrested at home. Ali had fled to Pakistan but eventually surrendered to authorities. Both initially denied involvement before admitting their guilt.

DC Tim Friend praised the victims’ bravery, stating: “The women showed considerable bravery by their quick thinking and we commend them for assisting with our investigation. It is hoped that now, after five long years, they will gain some comfort from the knowledge that their assailants are now behind bars.”

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