28/04/2008

Man Jailed For String Of Robberies

A man has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for a series of robberies.

Graham Farrell from Swanley, Kent, pleaded guilty to nine counts of robbery and nine counts of possession of an imitation firearm.

A further 3 cases were taken into consideration.

Farrell, 44, embarked on a series of bank robberies on 27 April, 2006. The first being at a building society in Bluewater Shopping Centre which resulted in his arrest on 9 January, 2008. A total of £95,396 was stolen during this period.

The most recent robbery occurred on 9 January when he attempted to carry out an armed robbery at a building society in Harrow, Middlesex. He was apprehended by police when he ran from the bank after obtaining the cash - a security device placed within the bag had caused smoke and dye to emanate from the bag.

Farrell was also responsible for armed robberies in Kent in 2006 and four armed robberies in Kent, Surrey and Essex in 2007.

Detective Sergeant Mark O'Shaunessey from the Met's Flying Squad, said: "This man conducted a reign of terror targeting numerous banks and building societies. His sentence reflects the gravity of this offence and should act as a deterrent to others engaging in armed robbery."

(DS/JM)

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