Jail for security van robber

A man who stole £35,000 from a security van delivering cash to a City bank has been sentenced to six years in prison.

Dominic Stewart, 21, from south east London, targeted the van as it arrived to fill a Fleet Street cash machine in May 2008.

Guards were able to stop him from entering the bank, but Mr Stewart was still able to flee with one of the cash boxes.

A City of London Police investigation quickly identified him, and searches following his arrest found dye-stained money and a firearm.

Stewart was sentenced to six years for robbery and five years for possession of a firearm, after pleading guilty at Southwark Crown Court. The sentences will run concurrently.

DCI Danny Medlycott, City of London Police, said: "This young man organised a robbery with the intention of stealing a large sum of money. What he did not plan on was the quick and effective actions of my officers, who have returned the money to its rightful owner and ensured a criminal is today behind bars."