A
serial armed robber, who targetted betting-shops soon after his
relese from prison for a copycat offence, is now starting an
eight-year sentence.
Gary
Lovett, 49, (pictured) donned a motorcycle crash helmet during all
three raids and tried to scare staff into believing he had a real gun.
He
pleaded guilty at Kington-upon-Thames Crown Court to attempted
robbery and possession of an imitation firearm at William Hill,
Garratt Lane, Earlsfield on July 27, last year.
Lovett
also admitted robbery and possession of imitation firearm on July 19
at William Hill, Upper Richmond Road, Putney when he snatched £435.
Attempted
robbery and possession of imitation firearm on July 7 at the same
William Hill in Garratt Lane.
An
investigation was launched by the Flying Squad, who were able to
match the clothing worn during the robberies with CCTV footage of
Lovett.
Lovett
had been released on licence for a similar robbery with an imitation
firearm at a different shop in Garrett Lane in 2010.
Detective
Constable Vicky Bailey, the investigating officer from the Flying
Squad said: "Gary Lovett committed a series of offences against
betting shops in South West London causing considerable fear and
distress to the members of staff.
“Had
he not been arrested he would have continued committing these
robberies.
"The
Flying Squad is committed to protecting the interests of commercial
businesses in London, and in particular tackling violent crime."
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