Armed robber awaits sentencing

8:40am Tuesday 9th September 2008

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A serial criminal from Borehamwood has pleaded guilty to robbing eight betting shops across the country.

Nicholas Smith, 58, of Tempsford Avenue, admitted robbing the Ladbrokes bookmakers’ armed with a gun over a two year period.

Smith had stolen a total of £13,378.74 from the betting shops in Hertfordshire and the south east of England between 2006 and 2007.

He was eventually arrested in January following a major operation between Hertfordshire Constabulary and the Metropolitan Police’s Flying Squad.

At Harrow Crown Court last Thursday Smith pleaded guilty to eight counts of robbery and eight counts of possession of a firearm. A further 28 offences relating to robberies and firearms offences were placed on file.

Despite entering a guilty plea, Smith was sent back to jail to await sentencing while experts assess his “dangerousness”.

He looked resigned to his fate as Judge Alan Greenwood agreed to delay sentencing until next month.

He said: “There is no up-to-date information on dangerousness.

“You have pleaded guilty to very serious offences.

“It will be helpful to obtain a pre-sentence report.”

Reports will now be prepared to assess Smith’s level of dangerousness and his behaviour in prison since January this year.

He is due back in court on October 10.