A Swindon man who held up four shops and bookmakers using an imitation firearm has been jailed for more than ten years.
Dean Hanman, 39, of Imber Walk, Swindon, has been convicted of three counts of robbery, one count of attempted robbery and four counts of possession of an imitation firearm, following a string of incidents in the town last year.
Today at Swindon Crown Court he was sentenced to ten years and ten months in prison.
The incidents happened at Betfred in Moredon Road on 06/10/2020, Ladbrokes in Thames Avenue on 03/11/2020, Betfred in Bridge Street on 04/11/2020 and McColl’s in Penhill on 10/11/2020.
In the first three robberies, Hanman entered the premises and jumped over the counter, threatening staff with an imitation firearm, before stealing cash from the tills and safes.
On the fourth incident, the member of staff was able to run away from him and a panic alarm was pressed, meaning Hanman fled the area without taking anything.
Detective Sergeant Scott Anger, from Swindon CID, said: “All four of these crimes were incredibly frightening for the people involved.
“Members of staff and members of the public were either witness to the robberies or directly threatened by Hanman, who was wielding a realistic looking imitation firearm.
“Thankfully nobody was injured, but we should not underestimate the impact that these offences had on them.
“We welcome today’s sentence and believe it reflects the severity of these crimes.”
