Worcester Armed Robber’s Sentence Doubled On Appeal

Paul DonovanA man who committed two armed robberies in Worcester has had his sentence extended at the Court of Appeal.

Paul Donovan, aged 35 of George Street, Worcester, threatened staff at two bookmakers with what appeared to be a handgun and demanded money.

The first robbery happened on 26 March when he man walked into a bookmakers on Angel Street and demanded money from the cashier. On 3 April he then entered a betting shop on Derwent Close, Warndon, and again demanded cash. In total he got away with £835.

He was arrested on 12 April, charged two days later and appeared at Hereford Crown Court on 16 July where he pleaded guilty to both offences.

On 16 August, Donovan appeared at the same court and was sentenced to two prison terms of two years each to be served concurrently.

This sentence was referred to the Court of Appeal by the Crown Prosecution Service and the case was considered yesterday before Lord Justice Toulson, Mr Justice Openshaw and His Honour Judge Morris QC.

The Court felt that for the offences Donovan had committed, he should not have received less than six years, but they allowed the usual one-third discount for his guilty pleas.

They quashed his original sentences of two years and substituted them with four years, to be served concurrently.

Detective Sergeant David Hall said: "We are satisfied that these sentences reflect the seriousness of Donovan's offences. His robberies had an impact on the communities around Angel Street and Warndon, not least among local bookmakers, who were on alert in case any further offences occurred.

"Armed robbery is a very serious crime because of the impact it has on its victims. Donovan claimed that he used a BB gun, but we still don't know exactly what weapon he threatened the bookmakers with because it has never been recovered.

"What is important is that the cashiers he robbed thought the gun was real and they were left distressed by their experience."

Issued:  Friday 26 October 2012