Bank robber jailed for 11 years

Waite was sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court

A man has been jailed for 11 years after stealing £25,000 from a bank.

Brian Waite, 33, of Leeds, was part of a masked gang that attacked a security guard with baseball bats as he delivered the cash to a branch of HSBC.

The gang drove from their Yorkshire base to raid the bank in Llanishen, Cardiff, on 2 November 2001.

Their stolen getaway car was later found burnt-out about half-a-mile from the bank.

Delayed trial

Prosecutor Keith Thomas told Cardiff Crown Court on Monday: "Securicor guard Robert Williams was making a delivery of various items in suitcases to HSBC.

"One of these cases contained £25,000 in cash.

"As Mr Williams was making his way to the bank two balaclava-hooded men attacked him with baseball bats.

"He was wearing a crash helmet, but was stunned and knocked to the ground."

A jury found Waite guilty of robbery, arson and handling stolen goods.

He was also convicted of absconding after he disappeared before his trial which was due to start last year.

Waite was jailed for a total of 11 years.