A MAN has been sentenced to more than a decade in prison for robbing six Hampshire betting shops.

Daniel Sharpe, 26, of no fixed address, will spend 11 years behind bars after pleading guilty at Southampton Crown Court.

On Thursday May 14, he admitted to six counts of robbery, four counts of possession of an offensive weapon and two counts of possessing a bladed article in a public place.

Sharpe carried out his attacks in betting shops in Bishop's Waltham, Locksheath, Eastleigh, Chandler's Ford and Romsey between October 21 and February 6 this year.

Detective Constable Emma Cooke who was in charge of the investigation said: "Whilst no one was physically injured, Sharpe’s crimes had a significant impact on those who were subjected to such terrifying ordeals. I hope this sentence goes some way to helping them move on from these distressing incidents.

“I also hope this sentence sends a clear message to anyone considering committing this type of violent crime. It will not be tolerated and we will always carry out a thorough investigation to catch those responsible and ensure they are brought to justice."

The first robbery on October 21 was at Betting Limited in Brook Street, Bishops Waltham where staff reported being confronted by a man holding a knife.

The second at Corals in Locksheath Shopping Centre happened three days later, where staff were threatened with a hammer.

Megabet in Leigh Road, Eastleigh was the third shop to be targeted on January 20.

On January 23, Ladbrokes on The Hundred in Romsey was robbed with a wrench used to threaten staff.

Betfred in Shakespeare Road, Chandler's Ford was robbed on January 26 with staff being threatened with a crow bar and on February 6, Coral’s in Oakmount Road was targeted and a knife was used to threatened staff.

On each occasion, Sharpe stole quantities of cash.

No-one was injured in any of the incidents.