A BRAZEN armed robber who raided a Bournemouth building society during a six-month crime spree was jailed for life on September 16.

David William Love, 40, stole more than £12,000 from building societies the length and breadth of the country.

The former caterer, previously sentenced to 18 and a half years for similar offences, returned to robbery after breaking up with his girlfriend.

Winchester Crown Court heard how Love had been drinking a litre of vodka a day when he was finally captured.

Prosecutor Christopher Parker said: "The hallmarks were that he never wore disguises, never wore gloves and left his face open for the cameras to see.

"He would normally enter the premises, produce a handgun and almost immediately leap over the counter and demand the cashiers produce money."

Love, who admitted eight counts of armed robbery, used three imitation guns.

The court heard how he had raided Bournemouth's Skipton Building Society on April 26 this year.

He was finally caught by two quick-thinking police officers just minutes after robbing a Basingstoke building society.

Defending, Nicolas Rowland said Love was deeply remorseful and had sent letters of apology to his victims.

Sentencing Love to a minimum of seven years, Judge Andrew Barnett said he had waged a campaign of "terror".

Love, of no fixed address, showed no emotion as two security guards led him away.

Later DC Stephen Beech of Hampshire police said: "The public is much safer now that Love is behind bars."

First published: September 17