VILLAGERS were thanked today for their tolerance of a daily high-security operation as prisoners involved in a gangland killing were taken through Stamford Bridge to court.

Traffic in the village has regularly been brought to a halt as an armed convoy has passed through on the A166, on its way from Full Sutton Jail to Leeds Crown Court.

Vehicles have been halted near the single-carriageway bridge over the River Derwent while the convoy crossed it.

Villagers have also become used to the clatter of a police helicopter flying overhead.

The convoy was part of a major security operation to get prisoners to court for a trial, which ended yesterday with three men being jailed for their part in a "callous and cruel" gangland killing.

A gunman from Gateshead who shot Freddie Knights in the head in Newcastle was jailed for 16 years for manslaughter after being cleared of murder, a getaway driver from Newcastle was given a 13-year sentence for the same offence and a third was jailed for nine years for conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm with intent.

Northumbria Police thanked the Yorkshire public for their tolerance and patience.

Updated: 11:41 Thursday, September 12, 2002