A man who pleaded guilty last month to three armed robberies in Brighton and Hove has been sentenced to 10 years' imprisonment today, Friday 21st August.

Joshua Haggart, 24, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to two armed robberies at Ladbrokes bookmakers in First Avenue, Hove which occurred on April 22 and 25 2009. He also pleaded guilty to an armed robbery at Kings of GSM in St James's Street, Brighton on April 25 2009.

At the last store, Haggart was cuffed with his own weapon by angry shop staff after he put it down to grab the cash he had demanded.

Haggart also admitted two attempted armed robberies of customers at Kings of GSM and three offences of possessing an immitation firearm.

Click on play below to view a video of Haggart being taken out of King of GSM on a stretcher.

On sentencing, HHJ Joseph said: "I have seen the images of you when you entered Ladbrokes on 22nd April wearing a stocking mask and pointing a gun directly at the head of the manager. That man must have been absolutely petrified.

"Three days later you went to the same location which in itself is an aggravating factor. There was a female present and you again were wearing a stocking mask. You produced a gun again and pointed it at staff.

"You got away and the same evening you went to Kings of GSM this time with a scarf covering your face. You pushed a handgun into the neck of the shopkeeper and threatened several customers. You threatened to shoot one man in the leg and the shopkeeper thought that this was his time to die.

"These are such grave offences for which I must impose a lengthy sentence."

DC Will Thomas said: "These were really frightening crimes for both the staff in Ladbrokes and Kings of GSM and also members of the public who witnessed them. It is quite right that he will now spend many years in prison for these robberies."