A MAN has admitted carrying out a knifepoint raid at a town centre bank, as part of a potential spree of similar incidents.

Hugh Lawson Gallon pleaded guilty to a charge of robbery during a short hearing at Durham Crown Court today (Monday March 23).

He is said to have entered the Lloyds TSB branch in Peterlee, County Durham, armed with a knife, at about 12.30pm, on Saturday March 7.

Gallon threatened a female member of staff before leaving the premises, in Yoden Way, with £890.

Police called to the scene arrested the 41-year-old defendant, still in the town centre, less than half-an-hour after the incident.

He is also facing charges of theft, of a plastic knife, from the Poundland store, and an attempted robbery of an assistant at the B & M Bargains premises, both also in Yoden Way, on the same day.

Gallon also admitted the theft charge at today’s (Monday) hearing, but denied the attempted robbery, at B & M Bargains.

Anne Richardson, prosecuting, said, given his admissions to the two other charges, the situation as to the count denied by Gallon would be reviewed by the Crown.

“He was said to have had a piece of foil up his sleeve and looked intoxicated.

“The assistant said she didn’t realise, at the time, it was a serious situation, but now realises after the event.”

Kieran Rainey, for Gallon, told the court: “He doesn’t dispute it was him, but he was extremely drunk.

“It’s difficult for me to advice him until I’ve seen the available cctv footage.”

Judge Christopher Prince adjourned sentence, whether on two charges or all three, depending on the prosecution review of the Poundland incident.

The judge requested preparation of a background report on Gallon, who is of no fixed abode.

He will remain in custody until the sentencing hearing, on Friday May 1.