Det Insp Tom Lyons, from the West Midlands force, said the gang carried out a series of calculated robberies.
“I know that it took the victims in this case a huge amount of bravery and courage to come forward and support the criminal justice process through to trial – and I commend them for doing so,” he said.
“Their evidence enabled us to launch a full-scale investigation and build a strong case, which ultimately brought the offenders to justice, and has undoubtedly prevented many other people from becoming a victim.”
Speaking after the sentencing, Det Con Sarah Byrne from the force also commended the victims’ bravery, saying: “I would encourage anyone who has been subject to a similar ordeal to come forward and report it to police.”
Georgina Davies, from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), said the five men “specifically targeted members of the LGBTQ+ community”.
“The CPS prosecuted the case as a hate crime which carries with it an increased sentence to fully reflect the gravity of offending that is motivated by hostility, based on sexual orientation,” she added.
“We hope these sentences provide some comfort to the victims and reassurance to communities who may feel particularly impacted by such crimes.
“Everyone should feel safe and confident when engaging with others, whether in person or online.”
