Armed robber given 14-year sentence

A man who staged five armed robberies in a month has been jailed for 14 years, police have said.

Leon Young pleaded guilty to five offences after carrying out armed raids across Dagenham and Ilford, in Essex, in January.

The 24-year-old was also convicted by a jury of an aggravated burglary in Harlow, Essex, which took place in December 2011, said Scotland Yard.

At Chelmsford Crown Court on Friday, Young was told he would serve eight years for his robbery and firearm offences and six years for aggravated burglary - a total of 14 years imprisonment.

He had been arrested in February by detectives from the Metropolitan Police Flying Squad.

Young targeted convenience stores and threatened staff with a firearm in each of his armed raids. He took about £4,000 in cash over the five robberies, police said.

Detective Sergeant Scott Chimes said: "I would like to thank the victims and witnesses for the courage they displayed in assisting in this protracted investigation.

"Young has never personally showed any remorse for the frightening crimes he committed during December 2011 to January 2012.

"The sentence passed by Recorder Laird QC sends out a clear deterrent message to those considering committing similar offences.

"I would like to assure businesses and the public within London that the Metropolitan Police Flying Squad will continue to seek out and arrest those engaged in such serious crimes and bring them to justice".