A man who attempted to rob a Forest Gate betting shop has today been jailed for five years.
David Manton, 34 and of no fixed address, had previously pleaded guilty to one count of robbery and one count of attempted robbery.
Snaresbrook Crown Court heard that on Tuesday, February 4, he entered a bookmakers on Woodgrange Road and produced what was believed to be a firearm wrapped in a bag.
He demanded money from the cashier, who escaped out of the rear of the shop, and Manton fled empty-handed.
The court was also told that he had attempted the same thing in a betting shop on Snakes Lane East, Woodford Green, on Saturday, January 23.
On this occasion he made off with around £200.
The two incidents prompted an investigation by the Met’s Flying Squad and Manton was arrested on Monday, March 7.
He pleaded guilty to both offences at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Tuesday, April 5.
Det Con Eddie Norman said: “Manton left staff at the bookmakers he targeted terrified and fearing for their lives simply so he could gain financially.
“The Flying Squad will proactively target armed robbers and on this occasion I would like to thank the media and the public for their help in identifying Manton as the suspect.”
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