A 37-year-old man has been jailed for two attempted robberies.
Adam Gilbert, of no fixed abode but originally from the Bootle area, was also sentenced for two counts of possession of an imitation firearm.
The charges relate to an incident at the Halifax bank in Bootle Strand shopping centre on Monday 30 May 2022 and an incident at a post office in Netherton on Wednesday 1 June 2022.
During the incident at the post office, Gilbert, who was armed with a gun, fired at the ceiling, causing staff and customers to flee. He then attempted to steal cash before leaving empty-handed.
The weapon was later confirmed as a blank-firing weapon. No injuries were reported but staff and customers were left extremely shaken by the incident.
Gilbert was jailed for a total of 10 ½ years with a further five years on extended licence at Liverpool Crown Court yesterday, Wednesday 22 February.
Detective Chief Inspector Ben Dyer said, “I can only imagine how terrifying this incident would have been for staff and customers who were in the Halifax and the post office when Gilbert came in.
“Crimes such as this are not victimless and have a long-term impact on the people who are caught up in them.
“Thankfully due to prompt action by officers Gilbert was identified and detained very quickly and he has now been convicted and put behind bars for a considerable period of time where I hope he will consider the consequences of his actions.”
Image: Adam Gilbert/Merseyside Police
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