A man who robbed a Coral betting shop pretending to hold a gun in a bag has been sentenced to five years imprisonment.

David Manton, 34, of no fixed address, appeared at Snaresbrook Crown Court yesterday, where he was sentenced for one count of robbery and one count of attempted robbery.

The court heard that at 4.15pm on January 23 Manton entered the Coral betting shop in Snakes Lane East, Woodford Green.

He threatened the female cashier with what appeared to be a gun wrapped in a bag and demanded money.

Manton made off with approximately £200.

On February 4, at 8.50am, he tried to rob another bookmakers in Woodgrange Road, Forest Gate, Newham.

Manton again threatened a member of staff with a pretend gun concealed in a bag, but the cashier refused and escaped out of the back door.

The robber fled empty handed.

The Metropolitan Police’s Flying Squad launched an investigation, identifying Manton after releasing CCTV images to the media.

He was arrested on March 7, and admitted the offences at Snaresbrook Crown Court on April 5.

Flying Squad Det Cons Eddie Norman said: “Manton left staff at the bookmakers he targeted terrified and fearing for their lives simply so he could gain financially.

“The Flying Squad will proactively target armed robbers and on this occasion I would like to thank the media and the public for their help in identifying Manton as the suspect.”