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JAILED: Keith Donaldson-Jones

A MAN who carried out a series of robberies on bookmakers in east London was sentenced to eight years in prison.

Keith Donaldson-Jones pleaded guilty to three counts of robbery and three counts of possessing an imitation firearm at Inner London Crown Court on Friday [July 1].

The 43 year-old also pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary and one charge of possession of a bladed weapon in an unrelated offence.

During the 2010 incident Donaldson-Jones and an unnamed accomplice robbed £1,500 in cash from Labrokes betting shop in East Ham, east London.

In subsequent attempts, Donaldson-Jones attempted to rob two more Ladbrokes branches.

Detective Constable Nick Pollard said: "These robberies were terrifying for the staff involved who genuinely feared for their lives.

He added: "Initiatives like Operation Betguard prove that the MPS will go to great lengths to track down people like Donaldson-Jones.

"By working together with local businesses and the local community we can bring offenders to justice."

Officers have yet to trace his accomplice but their enquiries are ongoing.