A ROBBER who was part of a gang that targeted country pubs has been jailed for 10 years. John Stanley, 32, admitted five offences of robbery in Herts, Beds and Cambs over a year-long period at St Albans Crown Court on Tuesday. In December 2007 Stanley,

A ROBBER who was part of a gang that targeted country pubs has been jailed for 10 years.

John Stanley, 32, admitted five offences of robbery in Herts, Beds and Cambs over a year-long period at St Albans Crown Court on Tuesday.

In December 2007 Stanley, from Biggleswade, robbed The Three Tuns in Ashwell in which three of the gang threatened staff with lengths of wood and a crowbar before driving off with a small amount of cash and a handbag.

And in March 2008 the gang returned to Ashwell, to The Bushel and Strike, where two robbers threatened a member of staff with lengths of wood spiked with nails and demanded he opened the till.

They made off with cash in a stolen silver Audi which was later found burned out a short distance away.

Five other people were arrested during the investigation but no charges have yet been made against them.

Herts detective inspector, Dave Wheatley, said: "Stanley was involved in a gang of criminals who used threats of violence backed up by carrying a variety of weapons. All the victims of these offences suffered shock and trauma as a result."

The judge thanked investigating officers and forensic staff for "dismantling a highly organised criminal gang.