10:50am Saturday 12th September 2009
By Suruchi Sharma
TWO men were sentenced to jail yesterday following a series of armed robberies in March on bookmakers in Mill Hill, Burnt Oak and Harrow.
John Laslett, 28, and James Murphy, 29, of no fixed address, were arrested on March 30 immediately after they committed a robbery in Paddy Power bookmakers, Preston Road, Harrow, as a result of a covert surveillance operation mounted by the Finchley Flying Squad.
The men were charged and pleaded guilty at Harrow Crown Court on June 3.
Yesterday, Laslett was sentenced to three years imprisonment for nine offences of robbery and one offence of possession of an imitation firearm with intent to commit robbery.
Murphy was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment for one offence of robbery.
The flying squad launched the investigation following a short series of armed robberies on bookmakers over a period of eight days, from March 23 to March 30.
One person would enter the premises, sometimes two premises in one day, while another person stayed at the entrance, acting as a look out.
He would hand over a note to the staff, which in some cases would refer to the staff being shot, if they didn't comply with the requests.
During the first offence of the series at Ladbrokes, in Holmstall Parade, Edgware, the suspect and accomplice ran from the shop and were seen to drop an imitation handgun by a passer-by. This handgun was later found by police.
CCTV obtained from the robberies identified Laslett as being involved.
Two further men were charged in connection with these offences but no further action was taken on the advice of the Crown Prosecution Service.
Detective Inspector Bleddyn Llewellyn, of Finchley Flying Squad, said: "This result demonstrates our continued determination and commitment in identifying and bringing to justice those criminals that are responsible for these types of offences.
"Robberies on bookmakers continue to be an Metropolitan Police Service and Flying Squad priority."
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.harrowtimes.co.uk/trade_directory/