Bank robber father gets 40 years

Ginglen used the money to pay for drugs, prostitutes and a girlfriend

An Illinois bank robber who was turned in to the police by his three sons has been sentenced to 40 years in jail.

William Alfred Ginglen, 64, who pleaded guilty to several armed robbery and firearms offences, is likely to spend the rest of his life behind bars.

His life of crime was revealed when son Jared spotted him on bank surveillance video posted on a police website.

Speaking after the sentencing, Jared, a police officer, said he had no regrets but added: "There are no winners here."

"The whole thing has been a tragedy for my family," he told reporters.

Jared decided he had no option but to turn his father in after consulting with his brothers Garrett and Clay.

Giveaway diary

Between November 2003 and July 2004, Ginglen robbed at least five banks to pay for a crack cocaine habit, prostitutes, hotel rooms and a long-time girlfriend with a daughter.

Ginglen's son recognised him from surveillance camera footage

Sentencing the former marine and grandfather of seven, US District Judge Jeanne Scott handed down the minimum term allowed.

She remarked that for 60 years he had lived an "exemplary life" and said she struggled to understand what had happened to him.

Given the chance to speak, a visibly distressed Ginglen eventually said: "I'd like to apologise to everyone."

Conveniently for prosecutors, Ginglen had kept a diary during his nine-month life of crime, during which he stole nearly $60,000 (£35,000) from banks in the state of Illinois.

His lawyer, former classmate Ron Hamm, said he planned to appeal against the verdict.

He argues that evidence taken by Jared from his father's house - including the diary - was illegally seized because of his role as a police officer. Jared disputes his view.