A REDDITCH man has been sentenced to 16 years in prison after pleading guilty to two counts of robbery and possession of an imitation firearm.
Leroy Morley, 41, formerly of Salters Lane, Redditch, appeared at Worcester Crown Court on Monday (November 7) when he pleaded guilty to all three charges and was sentenced to 12 years in prison for each count, to run concurrently, plus four years extended sentence (total to serve 16 years)
The first incident took place at the William Hill bookmakers, in Batchley, on April 18 this year where Morley threatened staff with what was believed to be a firearm and demanded money before making off on foot with £415 in cash.
The second took place two days later at the Coral bookmakers, Shakespeare Avenue, in Lodge Park where Morley again threatened a cashier with an imitation firearm and demanded money before leaving the scene with around £450 in cash.
No one was injured during either of the robberies, and the money was recovered by police when he was arrested on April 21.
Detective Constable Colin Millward, the investigating officer, said: “These offences would have had a significant impact on the victims threatened by Morley and those who witnessed the robberies. It would have been very traumatic for the staff involved and they should be commended for their bravery during the incident.
“I hope this lengthy prison sentence will give him plenty of time to reflect; and send out a strong message that such crimes will not be tolerated within West Mercia.”
