Bank robber who threatened staff with knife jailed
Michael Jones pleaded guilty to five charges including two counts of robbery
- Published
A bank robber who threatened staff with a knife on two occasions has been jailed for nine years.
Michael Jones, 27, raided a branch of Yorkshire Building Society in Wakefield city centre and a branch of Halifax in nearby Ossett within four days of each other in October 2023.
Upon his arrest, officers found a "significant quantity of cash" in Jones' bedroom at his address on Hoyland Terrace in South Kirkby, West Yorkshire Police said.
He was sentenced at Leeds Crown Court on Monday after pleading guilty to five charges including two counts of robbery.
He also admitted possession of an offensive weapon, possession of a bladed article and possession of cannabis.
Det Insp Heather Shearer said: “Jones has carried out these two armed robberies within days of each other.
"Both times he has threatened a staff member with a knife, causing them considerable alarm and distress.
"His actions have also caused wider concern for other employees and members of the public present during these incidents.
"Crime has not paid for Jones, instead he has gained himself a considerable spell in prison."
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