A court here has sentenced a gang of five to a total of 85 years and 17,000 lashes for the armed robbery and burglary of a number of gold shops in the Southern Province. The ringleader got 25 years in prison and 5,000 lashes and other four received 10 to 22 years and 2,000 to 4,000 lashes each. In one armed robbery, the gang, which operated primarily in Qama town in the Southern Province, exchanged fire with a worker who was later able to give police information which led to the capture of the gang. Five judges of Abha General Court heard the evidence and gave the verdict sending the gang members to prison. The verdict will be sent to the Court of Cassation for final approval. – Okaz __