According to the Birmingham Mail, a problem gambler committed a series of robberies to pay off debts.
William Thomas Finch, 57, robbed five business last year and attempted to rob a sixth before being caught.
In disguise, Finch entered shops, bingo halls and a building society armed with a fake gun intimidating staff into handing over cash.
The robberies started in August 2013 and included:
· Nearly £900 from a West Bromwich Building Society location
· £200 from a One Stop convenience store
· £530 from a Coral Betting Shop
· £800 from a Mecca Bingo hall
· £2,150 from a Gala Bingo hall
Finch also attempted to rob a post office as well. Police raided his home after receiving a tip and found a BMW from his crime spree parked outside.
Police also found his disguise including face paint, a fake beard and a pair of glasses.
Despite a plea of not guilty, a jury convicted him of five robberies, attempted robbery and six counts of possessing an imitation firearm resulting in a 14 year jail sentence in May 2014.
Det Sgt Paul Reeves, of West Midlands Police CID in Bloxwich, said, “His motivation for these crimes was brought about by his dire financial position fuelled by his compulsive gambling at the casino.
“He subjected his victims to a traumatic and terrifying ordeal. Many of them were women, and some were pregnant at the time.
“I’m pleased with the lengthy sentence and that Finch is now unable to cause hurt and distress to anyone else with his repeated offending.”
Finch recently appealed the 14-year prison sentence but was denied.
By Glo Wood
William Thomas Finch, 57, robbed five business last year and attempted to rob a sixth before being caught.
In disguise, Finch entered shops, bingo halls and a building society armed with a fake gun intimidating staff into handing over cash.
The robberies started in August 2013 and included:
· Nearly £900 from a West Bromwich Building Society location
· £200 from a One Stop convenience store
· £530 from a Coral Betting Shop
· £800 from a Mecca Bingo hall
· £2,150 from a Gala Bingo hall
Finch also attempted to rob a post office as well. Police raided his home after receiving a tip and found a BMW from his crime spree parked outside.
Police also found his disguise including face paint, a fake beard and a pair of glasses.
Despite a plea of not guilty, a jury convicted him of five robberies, attempted robbery and six counts of possessing an imitation firearm resulting in a 14 year jail sentence in May 2014.
Det Sgt Paul Reeves, of West Midlands Police CID in Bloxwich, said, “His motivation for these crimes was brought about by his dire financial position fuelled by his compulsive gambling at the casino.
“He subjected his victims to a traumatic and terrifying ordeal. Many of them were women, and some were pregnant at the time.
“I’m pleased with the lengthy sentence and that Finch is now unable to cause hurt and distress to anyone else with his repeated offending.”
Finch recently appealed the 14-year prison sentence but was denied.
