A masked gunman who terrorised a string of bookmakers in North-West London – threatening frightened staff with a pistol until they handed over cash – has been caged for eight years.
Mikhail Holness, 25, of Harrow View, Harrow pleaded guilty to five counts of robbery, one count of attempted robbery, six counts of possession of an imitation firearm whilst committing an indictable offence and one count of possession of an imitation firearm in a public place.
The offences were committed at six separate Harrow locations - one venue was a repeat target - between June and August 2011.
On August 15 he robbed two separate bookmakers.
Harrow Crown Court was told Holness would enter bookmakers wearing either a baseball cap or bandana over his face.
He would walk up to the counter and demand money from the till or safe whilst brandishing a black handgun, threatening the staff member.
He would then walk calmly out of the shop.
Following an investigation by the Metropolitan Police Service’s Flying Squad, Holness was identified from CCTV and arrested outside his home on September 19.
On arrest he was found in possession of an imitation handgun wrapped in a carrier bag and concealed in a satchel over his shoulder.
He was also in possession of a full-face balaclava and gloves identical to those worn during some of the robberies.
Officers believe he was on his way to commit further robberies.
Detective Chief Inspector Harry Hennigan, of the Flying Squad at Finchley, said: “The weight of evidence gathered and presented against the defendant at court resulted in him pleading guilty.
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