A PENSIONER robbed a bank because he was desperate to return to jail, a court has heard. Robert Newnham, 74, warned staff at Halifax building society in Dorchester, Dorset, he had a gun and demanded a female cashier hand over £1,000 on April 16 this year.
He pleaded guilty to one count of robbery yesterday at Dorchester Crown Court, Dorset.
Newnham was released from HMP Guys Marsh on March 29 this year after serving a five-year jail term.
The court heard he had become institutionalised and committed the robbery so he would be sent back to prison.
Newnham, of no fixed address, thought of committing a more minor offence but doubted it would be enough to get him back behind bars.
Armed police, sniffer dogs and the force helicopter were called out following reports of the raid and he was arrested nearby.
The case was adjourned for pre-sentence reports and he was remanded in custody until sentencing next month.
DC Jon Bayliff, of Weymouth CID, said he demanded £1,000 and ended up walking away with £940.
“He had no weapons with him at all,” he said. “He wasn’t the slightest bit interested in hurting or injuring anyone.
“He was quite apologetic he had given the staff the impression that he would hurt them.”
He said Newnham was an alcoholic and wanted to be back in jail to help him kick the habit.
He added: “One thing he did say was, ’If I’m granted bail, there’s no guarantee I won’t go and do the exact same thing again’.
“Basically saying ’I will keep on doing this until I do get life.”
Mr Bayliff said: “That’s a good way of getting back to prison. He has done what is viewed to be an extremely serious crime.
“The courts have to give him a long sentence and he goes back in with kudos amongst the criminal fraternity.”

so sad.

I  don't blieve that!