Three men have been sentenced to a combined total of over 100 years in prison following their conviction for plotting to murder Paul Allen, a former cage fighter and convicted ringleader in the United Kingdom’s largest heist. The sentencing occurred on April 25, 2025, at London’s Central Criminal Court, known as the Old Bailey. Daniel Kelly and brothers Louis and Stewart Ahearne were found guilty of conspiracy to murder Allen, who survived the 2019 attack but was left paralyzed. The case, marked by elements reminiscent of a cinematic crime thriller, culminated after a six-year investigation linking the attempted murder to Allen’s criminal past, notably his involvement in the 2006 Securitas depot robbery.
Details of the Sentencing and Investigation
On April 25, 2025, Daniel Kelly, along with brothers Louis and Stewart Ahearne, received lengthy prison sentences totaling more than a century combined. The sentences were handed down at the Old Bailey, London’s Central Criminal Court, following their conviction for conspiring to murder Paul Allen. The three men were found guilty of orchestrating the attack that aimed to kill Allen, a former cage fighter who survived the incident but suffered permanent paralysis.
Background of the Victim and Motive
Paul Allen is widely known in the UK for his involvement as the ringleader in the Securitas depot robbery in 2006, which remains one of the largest heists in British history. His criminal past and status within the criminal underworld made him a high-profile target. The plot to murder Allen—revealed through a comprehensive investigation spanning six years—appears linked to his former criminal associations and possibly revenge or silencing motives connected to his past activities.
Investigation Process
The investigation into the attempted murder was extensive and intricate, involving multiple law enforcement agencies. Authorities undertook detailed surveillance, forensic analysis, and undercover operations to uncover the conspiracy. Investigators managed to trace the planning and coordination of the attack back to Kelly and the Ahearne brothers, uncovering evidence that demonstrated clear intent to execute the murder plot.
Court Proceedings and Trial Highlights
During the trial, prosecutors detailed the timeline of events leading to the attempted murder and the discovery of the plot. Testimonies from law enforcement officers and forensic experts were presented, establishing the defendants’ involvement beyond reasonable doubt. The defense team argued mitigating circumstances but ultimately failed to disprove the conspiracy charges.
Impact and Wider Implications
The sentencing sends a significant message regarding the consequences of violent criminal plotting in the UK. It highlights continued efforts by law enforcement to address not only ongoing criminal activity but also violent retaliation or silencing attempts within criminal networks. The case underscores the complex interactions between past criminal history and subsequent attempts at violent crime.
The sentencing of Daniel Kelly and brothers Louis and Stewart Ahearne to over 100 years in prison collectively brings closure to a complex and high-profile case that exposed the dangerous intersections between past criminal enterprises and violent retaliation. The rigorous investigation and thorough court proceedings demonstrate the commitment of law enforcement and the judiciary to dismantling conspiracies that threaten public safety, regardless of the notoriety or history of those involved. This case serves as a stark reminder of the serious legal repercussions facing individuals who engage in orchestrated violence, reinforcing the rule of law within the United Kingdom’s criminal justice system.
