Man embarked on robbery spree weeks after jail release

Wednesday, November 21, 2012
6:35 PM

An armed robber who carried out a string of offences weeks after he was freed from prison after an earlier spree has been put back behind bars.

Robertson's image was captured on CCTV. Picture: Metropolitan Police

Steven Robertson, 39, was sentenced at Kingston Crown Court today to a total of ten years in jail.

He had pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to three counts of possessing an imitation firearm, two counts of armed robbery and one count of attempted armed robbery.

The court heard how Robertson, having just been released in July this year for a series of robberies.

Robertson, of no fixed abode, first struck at ‘Eurochange’ in Shaftesbury Avenue, on July 30 when he attempted to rob the premises while in possession of an imitation gun, but left empty handed after staff managed to activate an emergency alarm.

The following day, he entered a branch of Virgin Money in Maddox Street, Again, in possession of an imitation firearm, Robertson entered the branch demanding cash and threatened to shoot an 82-year-old customer. He escaped with £2,000 in cash.

Robertson had targeted the same venue when it was part of Northern Rock in 2007.

After a period of surveillance by the Flying Squad, Robertson was caught red handed when he attempted to carry out a robbery at the Chelsea Building Society in Hanover Square, W1 on 20 August - again, a venue he had also targeted during his previous spree in 2007.

Officers detained Robertson at the scene and he was taken into custody and subsequently charged.

Detective Constable Michael O’Mahony said: “As a result of excellent investigative work by officers from across the Flying Squad, a dangerous man is now behind bars.

“Steven Robertson has repeatedly shown no regard to the welfare of those he has terrorised during his robberies.

“Although violence was not used in these offences, the mental scars left with the victims involved will take time to heal. I hope the knowledge that Robertson will spend a significant time behind bars will give them some sense of closure.”