Man, 71, jailed again for trying to rob building society

A 71-year-old man who tried to rob a building society has been jailed again.

Alan Slattery went into Nationwide, in London Road, St Leonards, on Wednesday 30 April and went up to the front counter.

Slattery did not say anything but handed the cashier a note, saying: “Pass me the ten’s and twenty’s (sic) – I’m serious.”

He was immediately recognised by a member of staff from a previous incident, having been jailed for 32 months in April 2023 for a strikingly similar attempt to hold up the same branch.

His sentence also reflected like offences at Nationwide and Natwest branches in Bexhill.

Sussex Police said: “The staff worker called police and Slattery left the premises empty handed. He was arrested a short time later on the platform of St Leonards Warrior Square railway station.

“Slattery, of Bury Street, Edmonton, Enfield, was charged with attempted robbery, which he pleaded guilty to.

“He was remanded in custody and appeared at Lewes Crown Court on Monday 28 July where he was sentenced to 21 months’ imprisonment.

“He was also given a five-year restraining order which prohibits him from entering the St Leonards branch of Nationwide.”

Slattery was jailed at Lewes by Judge Christine Laing, the honorary recorder of Brighton and Hove, having previously been jailed by Recorder James Lofthouse at Hove Crown Court just over two years ago.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Dione Powell, said: “Slattery clearly hasn’t learnt from the time he served in prison for his previous offences.

“However, he’ll have plenty more time to reflect on his actions now.

“I’d like to commend the staff at Nationwide for swiftly reporting the incident to police which enabled our officers to locate and arrest Slattery shortly afterwards.

“We continue to work with partners and the retail community to crack down on business crime and ultimately to keep the public safe.”