A bank robber made off with over £3,000 in cash after walking into a Halifax and handing a cashier a terrifying note that mentioned a shotgun.
James McPhail went into an Ashington branch of the bank hours after attempting to carry out another robbery at a Post Office on January 26, this year. The 39-year-old walked into the bank with a bag containing a long piece of wood and handed a cashier a note saying he had a shotgun and to hand over cash, otherwise they'd be "in danger". McPhail managed to take off with a total of £3,065.
McPhail, of Seaton Avenue, Bedlington, appeared at Newcastle Crown Court, via link from HMP Durham, on Thursday to be sentenced for robbery, attempted robbery, and burglary. He had pleaded guilty to the charges at previous hearings.
