Pension Aged 'Bank Robber' Jailed Again After St Leonards Heist

A 71-year-old man who attempted to rob a bank in St Leonards has been jailed again.

Alan Slattery entered Nationwide, in London Road, on 30 April and approached the front counter.

He did not say anything but passed over a note which read: ‘PASS ME THE TEN’S AND TWENTY’S, I’M SERIOUS (sic).’

He was immediately recognised by a member of staff from a previous incident – Slattery was jailed for 32 months in April 2023 after he committed offences in strikingly similar circumstances at Nationwide in St Leonards and Bexhill, and Natwest in Bexhill.

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 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.

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 crackdown on business crime, and ultimately to keep the public safe.”