AN ARMED robber, who terrorised staff at a string of banks, including one in Harlow and one in Sawbridgeworth, has been jailed for 10 years.

Australian Ashley Reed, 28, an award-winning joiner, was sentenced on Friday at Chelmsford Crown Court, after admitting three robbery charges and five of possessing a firearm. He asked for five other robberies to be considered.

The court heard how he had turned to armed robbery after his once-thriving business had hit financial problems, leaving him facing £90,000 of debts.

Jonathan Higgs, prosecuting, said Reed had carried out the raids wearing a mask and brandishing an air pistol over a five-month period between July and December 1997.

He had stolen more than £86,000 from banks, including Lloyds in Harlow and Barclays in Sawbridgeworth. He stole £8,800 from Lloyds in Harlow on November 7, and £9,905 from Barclays in Sawbridgeworth on November 14.

Reed, who the court heard had been sleeping at his workshop in Bow, East London, was told by Judge Keith Simpson that if he had not admitted the offences, he could have been jailed for 18 years.

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