A BRAZEN armed robber has been jailed after a series of violent raids on bookmakers across east London.

Marcus Moore, of Jedburgh Road, Newham, made an estimated total of £6,000 from seven robberies at branches of Ladbrokes, including the store in Green Lane, Ilford, on March 18 this year.

Moore, 26, was sentenced to eight years in jail at a hearing at the Old Bailey yesterday (Monday, September 27), after previously pleading guilty to five counts of robbery, two attempted robberies, and seven counts of possessing a firearm.

He admitted all the offences during an appearance at Snaresbrook Crown Court on August 12.

Moore committed the spate of robberies between January and May this year, and brazenly returned to one branch a second time to steal more cash.

During each raid, Moore tried to disguise himself with various items of clothing and with each robbery he became more violent with the bookmakers' staff.

In his last robbery, on May 4, Moore pistol-whipped a male cashier about the head as he demanded money from inside the safe.

The victim is still receiving regular medical treatment for the injuries he received, and suffered significant psychological in the attack.

DC Kwan Hau, of Barking Flying Squad, said: “Moore was a ruthless individual who had the audacity to return to one of the venues on a second occasion.

“The fact he targeted only Ladbrokes establishments had a significantly detrimental effect on staff working for the company and the escalation in violence displayed by Moore as the offences progressed demonstrates the serious threat he posed.”