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Armed robber who threatened to shoot agents faces jail
An armed robber who raided four travel agents disguised with make-up, sunglasses and a long ginger wig is facing a long jail sentence.
David Bentley, a 54-year-old tyre firm boss, formerly of Orpington, was convicted of four offences of robbery and four of having an imitation firearm with intent to commit robbery, said Kent Online.
Having pleaded not guilty, he took no further part in the trial, refusing to leave his prison cell.
His former girlfriend Justyna Pietrzak, of Palmer Avenue, Gravesend, was convicted of the four robberies and acquitted of the firearm charges.
She denied all the charges claiming that Bentley put her under duress to act as his getaway driver.
Maidstone Crown Court heard the couple stole more than £46,000 in the armed raids on Thomson in Folkestone, Tonbridge and Boston, Lincolnshire, and Thomas Cook in Caterham, Surrey. In all cases, staff were threatened with a gun.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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