Northumberland man who blew up cash machine is jailed
Last updated 7th Jan 2026
A would-be robber who blew up a cash machine with explosives has been jailed for eight years, police have said.
Dramatic CCTV images show Kristopher Follos trying to blast his way into the cashpoint at Hedgeley Service Station - on the A697, south of Wooler - last May.
Newcastle Crown Court today heard police investigating the raid found explosive devices when they raided the 45-year-old's home.
Those responsible for the explosion fled empty-handed, police said.
WATCH: Police have released footage of the incident. Click below to view...
When officers raided Follos's home in Morpeth, bomb disposal experts had to attend after improvised explosive devices were found.
He was charged with conspiracy to steal, conspiracy to cause explosions and making an explosive substance.
Follos, who admitted the charges in September, was sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court earlier today (Wednesday), the North East regional crime unit said.
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After the sentencing, Detective Sergeant Patrick Naughten said: "Follos has proven he is an extreme danger to the public and this sentence reflects the hard work officers and partners have put in to secure this result.
"I want to thank the dedicated specialist teams we have pursuing suspects and protecting the public.
"It is this robust regional response that ensures we can continue to protect North East communities."
David Lee, senior crown prosecutor at CPS North East, said: "The use of improvised explosive devices by Follos posed an obvious danger to members of the public, but he gave this little thought in pursuit of his own financial gain."
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