Crime spree Sidmouth armed robber says 'sorry'

PROLIFIC armed robber Stephen Jackley has apologised for his many crimes as he begins a 13 year jail term. The 23-year-old from Sidmouth, who committed a string of armed raids across three counties, wrote a letter to a local newspaper from his Worcester p

PROLIFIC armed robber Stephen Jackley has apologised for his many crimes as he begins a 13 year jail term.

The 23-year-old from Sidmouth, who committed a string of armed raids across three counties, wrote a letter to a local newspaper from his Worcester prison cell.

During his terrifying campaign, Jackley, who claimed he was a 'modern-day Robin Hood', waged a private war against banks, building societies and betting shops.

The university student brandished guns, a seven-inch long combat knife, a hammer and a fake bomb in the premises he targeted and on one occasion stabbed a TNT driver after he challenged him.

In his letter, Jackley, of Manstone Avenue, calls his actions 'despicable' and expressed his 'deepest regret' to his victims.

He said: "I can only say that at the time of committing these offences, I had no idea of the impact on others and believed they were for the 'greater good'."

Jackley claimed he was trying to build an organisation that would "alleviate world poverty" by robbing banks and corporations.

During his six-month crime wave, Jackley broke into a NSPCC office but he claims he meant to rob a bank which was in the same building.

His letter states: "Once I realised my mistake, I endeavoured to pay �25,000 to this charity and began writing increments ranging from �250 to �650."

In total, Jackley pleaded guilty to a total of 18 offences and was sentenced to 13 years by a judge at Worcester Crown Court last month.