Armed robber who stole £160,000 in raids jailed for 18 years

 
Jailed: Matthew Michael Devine, 50
6 December 2013
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An armed robber who committed a string of crimes was jailed after he was caught in the act by two plain clothes police officers.

Matthew Michael Devine, 50 admitted five counts of robbery and five of possession of a firearm at Isleworth Crown Court and was sentenced today to 18 years in jail.

He stole a total of £160,000 in raids on west London banks and Post Offices between May last year and March this year.

In all of the robberies he followed cash delivery drivers inside, where he would then demand access to cash boxes or delivery chutes, before fleeing the scene on a moped, police said.

He kept his face concealed at all times during the robberies behind a motorbike helmet.

But he was caught out on March 14 when two plain clothes Safer Transport officers heard an alarm at a Post Office in West London and saw him aiming a gun at a security guard.

Jailed: CCTV of one of the raids: Picture: Metropolitan police

He was tackled by police outside and arrested as he attempted to flee on his moped with £50,000.

He was later found to be carrying a handgun and magazine containing five bullets.

He was taken to a west London police station and charged on 15 March.

Detective Sergeant Adam Rodger, of the Flying Squad, said: "I am pleased with the sentence that has been handed down today. Devine used the threat of serious violence to force his victims to agree to his demands, with scant regard for the impact on them.

"I would like to pay tribute to the bravery of the officers who risked their life to tackle and arrest Devine despite knowing that he was likely to be armed. I would also like to praise the member of public that stepped in to assist with detaining Devine.

"Devine is clearly a dangerous man and deserves to spend a considerable period of time behind bars."

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