A man who raided bookmakers brandishing an imitation firearm has been jailed.

Marlon White, 31, of St Phillips Road, Hackney entered a number of bookmakers in east London with a gun-shaped object tightly wrapped in a plastic bag between April 8 and September 15 last year. He pointed the imitation weapon at staff and demanded cash.

He was arrested on October 17 following an investigation by the Metropolitan Police’s Flying Squad.

White was sentenced to 11 years in prison yesterday at The Old Bailey after pleading guilty to six counts of robbery and five counts of possession of an imitation firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence.

Det Con Katie Scott said: “I would like to thank the victims and witnesses for the courage they displayed in assisting in this protracted investigation.

“The sentence passed by Recorder Richmond QC sends out a clear deterrent message to those considering committing similar offences.

“I would like to assure businesses and the public within London that the Metropolitan Police Flying Squad will continue to seek out and arrest those engaged in such serious crimes and bring them to justice.”

Six other offences were ordered to remain on file.