William Andrews, of Linden Terrace, was jailed at Lincoln Crown Court on 15th January after he admitted the robbery at the Ladbrokes store on 7th November 2009.

The 39-year-old covered his face with a scarf to try to hide his identity before he walked into Ladbrokes on Market Street.
Rob Townsend, prosecuting, said a member of staff asked Andrews to remove the scarf, but he continued towards the counter.

"He had a black rucksack which he put on the counter. He told the staff to give him the money or someone would get hurt."

Mr Townsend said that at first the staff did not believe Andrews was serious but when it became apparent he was not joking handfuls of bank notes were given to him – he left with £3,952.

A concealed alarm was activated but Andrews left with the cash in his rucksack and made his way to the nearby taxi rank where he took a cab away from the scene.

Andrews was later recognised from CCTV evidence and was arrested at his home, where £1,200 was recovered.

The court heard he had previously served a five year jail sentence imposed at Liverpool Crown Court in 2005 for a firearms offence.

Judge Richard O'Rorke told Andrews: "Although there is no evidence that you had a weapon on this occasion for the staff this had all the hallmarks of an armed robbery. They were put in fear and handed over the money in a state of shock."

Christopher Geeson, defending, said Andrews been in custody for all but a few months since January 2005.

He said Andrews was only in the shop for a short period of time and did not use a weapon.

Richard Royal, public affairs manager for Ladbroke's, spoke on behalf of the Gainsborough store, saying: "We are happy with the verdict and delighted that our state-of-the-art CCTV has helped to convict Mr Andrews, who caused considerable distress to the staff and customers present at the time."

"Ladbrokes is the only UK betting company with high quality CCTV and a 24/7 Security Team. This case illustrates the importance and impressive nature of our security policies, which we will continue maintain at the highest level in the industry."