He robbed this bank before. At 71, he tried again… it didn’t end well

A 71-year-old man who tried to rob a St Leonards bank has been jailed again – just two years after being released for carrying out similar crimes. Attempted Robbery at Nationwide Alan Slattery entered the Nationwide branch in London Road, St Leonards, on 30 April and approached the front counter.He silently handed over a note […]

A 71-year-old man who tried to rob a St Leonards bank has been jailed again – just two years after being released for carrying out similar crimes.

Attempted Robbery at Nationwide

Alan Slattery entered the Nationwide branch in London Road, St Leonards, on 30 April and approached the front counter.
He silently handed over a note which read: “PASS ME THE TEN’S AND TWENTY’S, I’M SERIOUS (sic).”

However, staff immediately recognised him from a previous robbery. In April 2023, Slattery had been jailed for 32 months after targeting the same Nationwide branch and two other banks in Bexhill.

Staff Recognition Foils Crime

Instead of complying, the quick-thinking staff member contacted police.
Slattery fled empty-handed but was arrested shortly afterwards on the platform at St Leonards Warrior Square railway station.

The pensioner, of Bury Street, Edmonton, Enfield, was charged with attempted robbery. He pleaded guilty in court.

Court Sentencing

At Lewes Crown Court on 28 July, Slattery was sentenced to 21 months in prison.
He was also given a five-year restraining order banning him from entering the St Leonards branch of Nationwide.

Police Praise Staff

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Dione Powell, said:
“Slattery clearly hasn’t learnt from the time he served in prison for his previous offences, however he’ll have plenty more time to reflect on his actions now.

“I’d like to commend the staff at Nationwide for swiftly reporting the incident to police, which enabled our officers to locate and arrest Slattery shortly afterwards.

“We continue to work with partners and the retail community to crackdown on business crime, and ultimately to keep the public safe.”