A ROBBER who tried to hold up the Welling branch of Lloyds TSB with an imitation firearm has been jailed for eight years.

Jobless Michael Hepburn, a 32-year-old of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to robbery when he was caught by police after holding up the bank, in Bellegrove Road, Welling.

Terrified staff gave Hepburn £7,665 but he was caught while running up the road.

At an earlier hearing, the court heard how Hepburn had walked into the branch on July 3 brandishing a realistic-looking weapon.

He was wearing sunglasses in a bid to disguise himself and demanded money from cashier Rachel Pinto.

Simon Molyneaux, defending, said the incident must have been frightening and Hepburn now realised this.

Judge Stephen Waller told Hepburn: "This was a premeditated offence.

"You wore a hat, sunglasses and gloves and you put the cashier in real fear.

"You obtained a large amount of money but you were effectively caught red-handed.

"You have a bad criminal record but I appreciate the fact you have not been in trouble since April 1996.

"Because of your relatively high risk to the public, there must be a substantial sentence."

November 5, 2001 20:11