Stonebridge armed robber loses appeal against jail sentence
Emmanuel Clarke has lost his sentence appeal - Credit: Archant
An armed robber from Stonebridge who disguised his face by covering it with a pair of women’s tights has lost an appeal to have his prison sentence reduced.
The woman's tights Clarke wore over his face - Credit: Archant
Emmanuel Anthony Clarke, of Hilltop Avenue, was jailed for six years last year after he targeted betting shops in South Harrow in October and November 2013, ordering staff to hand over cash while pointing a weapon at them.
He admitted possessing an imitation firearm and two counts of robbery at his trial at Harrow Crown Court.
Yesterday lawyers for the 28-year-old argued his sentences was ‘too long’ and was over the top in light of his personal circumstances and the fact no genuine weapon was used in the raids.
But, dismissing his appeal, Mr Justice Jeremy Baker said the sentence was justified by his serious crimes.
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Sitting with Lord Justice Jackson and Mr Justice Jay, he added: “These offences were serious in nature - he had led both victims to believe he was in possession of a weapon at the time.
“There are no arguable grounds upon which it can be submitted that the sentence was manifestly excessive or wrong in principle.”
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The Court heard Clarke had run up a large gambling debt and committed the raids to pay it off.
He first targeted Coral bookmakers on Northholt Road and pointed what looked like a long-barrelled shotgun at a female worker, forcing her to hand over nearly £300.
The second raid was at Ladbrokes in the same street a few weeks later.
He again threatened a female staff member with his arm concealed in a bag and raised - leading her to believe he had a gun.
He was caught after his DNA was discovered on a pair of tights found near the scene of the first robbery.
Related link: Jail for Stonebridge robber who disguised his face with women’s tights
