A ‘violent’ criminal from Edgware who carried out an armed robbery on a bookmakers while on bail for a similar offence has been jailed.

Karlos Junior Bailey, 26, was handed a six year sentence after pleading guilty to one count of robbery, one count of attempted robbery and possession of a firearm at Kingston Crown Court on June 24.

Bailey entered the Coral shop in Kingsbury Road, Colindale, on November 19 last year, threatening staff with a handgun and telling them to open a safe. He fled the scene without taking any cash.

He returned to the shop on December 8. When staff identified him they called the police and he was arrested. 

Bailey was charged on November 9 but granted bail in December.

On April 11 this year, Bailey walked into the Ladbrokes shop in Station Parade, Edgware, and demanded money from a female member of staff.

He got into a struggle with her and she fell back, fracturing her arm. He then grabbed more than £350 from the open till before making his escape.

Flying Squad officers launched an investigation into the incident and, from the bookies’ CCTV images, recognised Bailey as the same man who had committed the Colindale robbery.

He was arrested at his home address on April 12, and admitted the offence when interviewed.

Detective Sergeant Ben Kennedy said: “I am pleased with the sentence that has been handed down by the court.

“As a result of this investigation a violent robber has been convicted and sentenced to a substantial period in custody.

“The Flying Squad will continue to work with local police officers and our commercial partners to prevent such offences from taking place.”