Bootle robber gets eight-year term for crimes while tagged

Mark Eaton was on a curfew when he committed the armed robberies

A man who committed five armed robberies in Merseyside while on an electronically tagged curfew has been given an eight-year sentence.

Mark Eaton, 19, of Bootle, admitted carrying out armed raids on shops in Bootle during an eight-day period in January while on bail for burglary.

He used weapons including a machete and an imitation firearm.

Eaton was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court to detention at a youth offenders institution.

He pleaded guilty to five counts of armed robbery, possession of an imitation firearm with intent, as well as two unrelated counts of burglary and handling stolen goods.

Crime prevention

Det Insp Andy Black said Eaton showed "complete disregard for the staff who work in these shops" and the ordeal had had a "huge impact on the staff who work there".

"In each incident he threatened staff and although they were not hurt they have all been left very upset following their ordeals."

He said Merseyside Police had provided retailers with crime prevention advice and they were now using security devices such as fogging devices, forensic sprays and electronic trackers.

Merseyside Police said electronic tags became activated during the hours of the curfew order.