A HAMMER-wielding robber has been jailed for 11 years for a spate of betting shop raids.

Daniel Sharpe was sentenced to 11 years in jail after pleading guilty to robbing six betting shops across Romsey and the surrounding areas.

The 26-year-old carried out the series of “terrifying ordeals” at betting shops in Romsey, Locks Heath, Chandler’s Ford, Eastleigh and Bishop’s Waltham between October 21, 2019, and February 6 this year.

Appearing before Southampton Crown Court last Thursday, Sharpe of no fixed address pleaded guilty to six counts of robbery, four counts of possession of an offensive weapon and two counts of possessing a bladed article in a public place.

During the first robbery on October 21 at Betting Limited in Brook Street, Bishop’s Waltham, staff reported being held up at knifepoint.

Sharpe is said to have jumped over the counter and demanded that they opened the bookie shop safe.

According to witnesses he was wearing a homemade balaclava and brandishing a knife.

Then on October 24, he threatened staff at Corals in Locks Heath Shopping Centre with a hammer.

Megabet in Leigh Road, Eastleigh was the third shop to be targeted on January 20 this year, where staff reported to have been threatened with a hammer.

On January 23, Sharpe robbed Ladbrokes on The Hundred in Romsey, threatening staff with a wrench.

Betfred in Shakespeare Road, Eastleigh was robbed on January 26 with staff being threatened with a crowbar and on February 6, Coral’s in Oakmount Road was targeted with Sharpe using a knife to threaten staff.

According to police, on each occasion, Sharpe stole quantities of cash.

However, officers say that fortunately no-one was injured in any of the incidents.

Sharpe was sentenced to 11 years in jail on Thursday (May 14) with a four year extended licence.

Detective Constable Emma Cooke who was in charge of the investigation said “Whilst no one was physically injured, Sharpe’s crimes had a significant impact on those who were subjected to such terrifying ordeals.

“I hope this sentence goes some way to helping them move on from these distressing incidents.

“I also hope this sentence sends a clear message to anyone considering committing this type of violent crime.

“It will not be tolerated and we will always carry out a thorough investigation to catch those responsible and ensure they are brought to justice.”